Evaluating the effect of functional analytic psychotherapy on intimacy repertoires and minority stress in Latinx gay men

Gay men are frequently exposed to discrimination and rejection, experiences that may contribute to intimacy avoidance and interpersonal distress. Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) is a contextual behavioral intervention that shapes clinically relevant interpersonal behaviors within therapy. This preliminary, exploratory study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and outcomes of six to nine weekly FAP sessions focused on intimacy-related behaviors and minority stress among three self-identified Latinx gay men. A randomized combined concurrent/nonconcurrent multiple-baseline design was used. All participants completed the intervention, and two completed follow-up and social validity assessments. Intimacy-seeking behaviors in session increased across participants, whereas changes in intimacy-avoidant behaviors were less consistent. Out-of-session intimacy showed greater stability for two out of the three participants. Two participants also showed clinically reliable improvements in interpersonal functioning and lower overall minority stress indicators; however, one participant showed deterioration in community connectedness at follow-up. Social validity data from the two respondents suggested high perceived value of the intervention, along with concerns about session length and emotional openness. Overall, findings support the feasibility and acceptability of FAP and suggest possible clinical benefits. Given the small sample size, heterogeneous outcomes, short baselines, and limited follow-up, results should be interpreted cautiously and evaluated in larger, more diverse studies.