The Life Course Experiences of Older Gay Men in Italy and Their Response to a Tele-Drama-Based Intervention: A Qualitative Study Protocol

The global rise in the older adults’ population underscores the urgency of addressing mental health issues among older LGBT adults. Older gay men, navigating the intersection of ageism and homophobia, often confront complex stigma affecting their well-being. In Italy, where research on older LGBT adults is very limited, investigation of this issue is crucial. The overarching purpose of this qualitative research project is to explore the life experiences of older gay men in Italy and examine their response to a group tele-drama intervention tailored to their unique psychosocial needs. Narrative interviews will be conducted with older gay men in Italy, and the resulting data will be subjected to narrative analysis principles. Volunteers or social workers who work with older gay men will also be interviewed and the data will be analyzed according to thematic analysis, followed by a triangulation of the two datasets. Building on these findings and relevant literature, a group tele-drama intervention will be adapted for older gay men. Video-recorded intervention sessions will be analyzed using the 6-Key model of drama therapy assessment. Post-intervention, participants will undergo Client Change Interviews, with the data thematically analyzed. Ensuring the qualitative rigor of the study will involve triangulation, reflexive journaling, and member checking. The three-year data collection period will span from 2023 to 2025. The findings of this study will the design of a tele-drama-based therapy program that addresses the psychosocial needs of older gay men and help them cope with challenges associated with the intersectionality of ageism and homophobia.