Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

"Resisting Disconnection" : An Exploratory Study Of Transgender Adults' Experiences Of Community Support And Resilience, Aj Metthe

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study collected narrative data from transgender adults about their experiences of community support from other transgender individuals and about their experience of their own resilience. Due to previous research findings about the marginalization of transgender populations, particular attention was paid to narrative data that explicitly suggest structural oppression. Narrative data were collected from two samples drawn from adult transgender populations. One sample (N=12) participated in hour-long semi-structured individual interviews (Interview Sample [IS]). Another sample (N=4) participated in a Focus Group [FGS]) conducted at a transgender conference in the northeast.

The major findings that emerged from participants’ reports of …

"I Own My T!" : The Experience Of Older Transgender People Of Color Regarding Personal Identity, Systems Of Support, And Desires For The Future, Venae N. Rodriguez

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

While it has been widely reported that transgender individuals experience mistreatment in all aspects of life, transgender people of color, who have rarely been the focus of studies, are faced with even higher incidents of bias (Auldridge, et al., 2012; Dunn & Moodie-Mills, 2012; Grant, et al., 2011). Especially absent is writing on older transgender people of color (Auldridge, et al., 2012; Cook-Daniels, 2015; Fredricksen-Goldsen, et al., 2013; Persson, 2009; Van Wagenen, Driskell & Bradford, 2013). Also missing is literature on the resiliency of transgender people of color and transgender elders. Finally, of the few studies that do exist, most …

Transfigured Treatment : A Comparative Needs And Specialized Services Assessment Of Transgender Youth And Gender Specialist Providers In The Bay Area, Lark E. Nierenberg

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Transfigured Treatment is a mixed-methods study that aims to assess and improve multidisciplinary clinical care for transgender and gender expansive youth in the Bay Area. This trans-led research is a joint needs- and services-assessment of local gender-specialized care, including mental health support, access to medical care, and housing assistance. Transfigured Treatment is a tool with which to share histories of need and transform them into legacies of care. Participants were recruited via non-probability sampling and data were collected via an anonymous online survey. Adult participants must have/had a gender expansive identity while living in the Bay Area at some point …

I Googled. "How Do You Know You're Gay?" : A Qualitative Study On Lgbtq Identity Formation And The Internet /, Rebekah M. Meresman

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative, exploratory study examined the impact of the internet on the identity formation process of LGBTQ individuals. This study aimed to answer the question: How and why do some LGBTQ-identified adults use the internet as a tool to formulate their sexual/gender identity? Through an anonymous online survey, LGBTQ identified participants were asked several open-ended questions about their identity formation experiences, and the role of the internet on this process.

Fifty individuals participated in the study, from a wide range of sexual and gender identities, half of which identified as transgender or gender non-conforming. Of these participants, most indicated that …

Theories And Interventions With Transgender And Gender Non-Conforming Clients, Charles R. Shealy

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This original qualitative study identifies the theories and techniques therapists have found supportive in their work with Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming clients. Twelve clinicians currently in practice in the New York City area and one clinician from Virginia who had experience working with Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming clients were interviewed. The questions posed to them were intended to guide them to reflect on their practice considering what theories arose as themes in their work and what techniques or approaches arose as supportive in their work with this population. Their responses were in line with the current body of literature reflecting …

Trans* Individuals' Experiences With Employment Discrimination : Supporting Self-Efficacy In The Job-Seeking Process, Matthew S. Meurer-Lynn

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals are often the subject of blatant and covert discrimination when seeking employment and studies demonstrate the negative effects on mental health. The research question for this study was: How can social workers best support trans* clients who are in the process of searching for employment, build self-efficacy and overcome psychological barriers that have developed as a result of oppression and discrimination? This qualitative study of seven trans* individuals provides examples of discrimination as experienced by the participants, examines the effects discrimination has on mental health and self-efficacy, and provides social workers with recommendations for supporting …

What Are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, And Queer (Lgbtq) Parents' Perceived Experience Of Inclusiveness In Their Child's Preschool Classroom?, Carla Haggard

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) parents are more visible now than ever before due to reduced stigma. Preschool is often children and family's first introduction to the school system and families outside of their social network. This mixed method research study examines the perceived experiences of inclusiveness or non-inclusiveness for LGBTQ families in their child's preschool classroom. This study presents data from 70 self-identified LGBTQ parents with a child who has been in preschool within the past year in the United States. Parents in this study often felt that their child's preschool was inclusive of their family structure …

Trans Enough : Trans/Gender Identities And (Mis)Representation In Social Work, Christopher C. Hamann

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study critically examines the current discourse in social work on transgender individuals in an attempt to be a starting point for those seeking to gain a better understanding of the ways in which the profession has conceptualized and served this population over the last 25 years. Queer theory and critical discourse analysis were used to analyze a final sample of 30 social work articles that focus on the transgender subject. Analytical focus was aimed at the production and reproduction of social norms, particularly those that function through heteronormativity, as well as forces of power operating within the discourse. Through …

Sex Abuse? : Just As Long As You're Not Gay : An Exploratory Study With Queer Adults On Childhood Sexual Traumatization, Kathleen A. Salmon

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This exploratory study engages with the experiences of queer adults following childhood sexual victimization (CSV), with particular attention to issues and situations that may implicate both their queer identity and history of CSV. These issues include possible messages that participants received about CSV and queer identities; the impact of CSV on coming out; resiliency and support systems; and, whether participants engaged with queer-affirmative resources or persons in the process of healing from CSV. Intersectional theory was applied in conceptualizing this study and analyzing data, as this theory puts particular attention on the ways that multiple social identities interact influencing one's …

Exploring The Impacts Of Disclosure For The Transgender And Gender Non-Conforming Therapists, Samuel B. Lurie

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) people face numerous challenges and disparities as members of a marginalized and stigmatized group (Grant, et al., 2011). With the increased visibility of the transgender and gender non-conforming community, there are also more TGNC people becoming professionally trained therapists, and there is a lack of guidance on navigating this particular experience. Four focus groups were conducted in the northeastern part of the United States with 19 total participants who are all Master's level or above mental health clinicians who identify as TGNC. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory study was to examine the experiences of …

What Does The 'Q' Stand For Anyway? : Queerness And Agency Competence, Eleanor C. Taylor

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This exploratory study’s purpose was to explore queer identity in mental health practice through the question, "Does queerness emerge as a distinct cultural category through the language of conversation, clinical practice, and administrative policy in mental health agencies that serve queer people, and in what practices is this reflected?” This project was undertaken in order to begin to fill gaps in existing cultural competence literature, particularly regarding queer identity.

This project entailed semi-structured interviews with ten participants, who worked in direct service at mental health agencies that serve LGBTQIA+ populations. This study examines the meanings and effects of queerness in …

Gender As Compromise Formation : Towards A Radical Psychoanalytic Theory Of Trans*, Laura K. Werner-Larsen

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This theoretical study explores the utility of psychoanalytic theory as a tool for working with trans* identified clients. Acknowledging the deeply problematic history of psychoanalytic theory and practice with trans*clients, the study nevertheless contends that a radical rereading of the psychoanalytic canon can provide a theory of gender as compromise formation and a conceptual toolkit that can allow for anti-oppressive clinical work around gender identity from a psychodynamic perspective. Using conceptual history and conceptual analysis as a methodological frame, the study delineates five concepts in contemporary psychoanalytic theorizing that support the depathologizing of trans* identity and the denormalization of cisgender …

Trans* And Gender Non-Conforming (Tgnc) Young Adults : Self-Report Of Access And Comfort In Health Care Systems, Victoria L. Reiszner

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study examined diverse trans* and gender non-conforming (TGNC) young adults' perceptions of medical and mental health providers and health care settings; and how TGNC perceptions influence or inhibit their level of comfort and willingness to access preventative and emergency services. The study aimed to extend knowledge and understanding of challenges faced by TGNC individuals and to inform health care providers on how they can become more effective in both their outreach and service provision to TGNC communities. Much of the current literature examining individuals with gender nonconforming identities focus on discrimination, limited access to health care, major health challenges, …

Gender Spectrum : Exploring Gender Diversity In Schools : A Project Based Upon An Investigation At Schools That Received Gender Spectrum Training On The Topics Of Gender And Gender Diversity, Meredith S. Abrams

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The world is witnessing a major shift in the way individuals in the helping professions and Western society understand gender outside the historical binary of male/female. In response to the limited literature that examines how gender and gender diversity is understood, taught, and integrated into educational institutions, the researcher provides an overview of a selected literature which informs the specific topics of gender and gender diversity in schools. This study explored how the information presented in Gender Spectrum trainings was utilized and integrated into four identified natural entry points (personal, structural, interpersonal, and instructional) for creating gender inclusive schools and …

Pushed To The Edge : The Treatment Of Transsexuals Through Time : A Behavioral Discourse Analysis Of The Diagnostic And Treatment Protocols For Transsexuals And The Implications For Contemporary Social Work Practice, Stacey D. Jackson-Roberts

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This article is a historical discourse analysis of the diagnostic and treatment protocols for transsexuals with implications for contemporary social work practice. The article uses the theoretical lens of post-structuralism and it complimentary methodology of historical discourse analysis to trace and critique the history of treatment and the power laden narratives used to regulate access to transition related care—particularly hormones and surgery. By analyzing these historical discourses, the article reveals the historical narratives and scripts that have constructed and pathologized transsexuals, and informed the evolution of the DSM and Standards of Care. Further, the article examines and critiques this history …

A Queer-Positive Institution And Its Creation Of Gender-Competency In Social Workers : A Project Based On The Exploration Of Smith College School For Social Work Alumni, Haley M. Burton

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This quantitative study explored the inclusion of transgender specific curriculum provided at the Masters level at Smith College School for Social Work and the degree of competency and level of preparedness it provided graduates of the program. The chosen alumni population was reached through the alumni email network. This study utilized a curriculum survey created by previous researchers, as well as a transphobia scale to perform an attitudinal assessment. It was hypothesized that those who indicated receiving more education on issues specific to the transgender population would feel more competent and more prepared. An additional hypothesis was that those who …

Disordered Eating Attitudes And Behaviors : Comparing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender And Queer Women To Women Who Identify As Straight, Mellissa T. Bonilla

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study used a quantitative, fixed-method research design to explore the trends of eating disordered attitudes and behaviors in women. Specifically, it investigated whether there were differences in prevalence of eating disordered attitudes and behaviors between heterosexual women and women who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Queer. Participants were found using snowball sampling. 556 women participated in the research by completing an online survey. The survey instrument they were then asked to complete was EAT-26, used to asses if a person may be at high risk for an eating disorder. The ages of the participants ranged from 18-83 …

Pathology, Bias And Queer Diagnosis : A Crip Queer Consciousness, Tones Smith

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The medical industrial complex has historically contributed to the oppression and pathology of queer and disabled people in a myriad of ways; through forced medication and institutionalization, as well as denial of self-determination and identity. Queer theory and disability theory both challenge modes of normalcy directly related to both queer and disabled identities by using a lens that encompasses sexuality, gender, embodiment, health and impairment. This paper will use queer theory and disability theory to analyze the ways in which queer and disabled identities are connected and co-constructed, as well as, the ways in which these intersections may expand our …

Transgender Perspectives On Accessible Primary Healthcare : A Mixed Method Study, Ann Marie Coakley

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This mixed method study was undertaken to explore and describe the transgender perspective of socially sensitive and medically competent primary healthcare provision. So far the focus of activists and researchers has concerned the barriers to care rather than positive models of the transgender healthcare experience. To gather viewpoints nationally from people of various transgender identities, an internet survey was conducted yielding responses from 116 participants from ages 18 to 72. Quantitative data was gathered on demographic, gender identities and present healthcare access and quality. Qualitative questions were asked about positive models for accessible healthcare in four areas: office structure, staff …

Queering The Ncaa : How Athletic Administrators At National Collegiate Athletic Association Institutions Include Transgender Athletes, Lisa Margaret Brookens

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This thesis examines how Athletic Administrators (AA) at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) institutions include transgender identities in their policies and practices. The main hypothesis presumes that people in positions of power within the NCAA membership have less inclusive opinions regarding transgender student-athletes (TSA). A mixed methods design was used, and an anonymous web-based survey tool was employed to address AA perceptions. Inferential statistics along with queer-feminist theory were utilized to document and deconstruct dominant themes generated during data collection. The participant pool included 511 AA's recruited by use of an exhaustive email list of the two top AA's at …

Transgender Individuals' Experiences In Therapy And Perception Of The Treatment Experience, Jeannette Marie. Sheerin

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study was undertaken in order to examine transgender individuals' experiences in therapy and the impact that clinicians' affirmative behaviors and their heteronormative and gender normative biases may have on the treatment experience. Despite an extensive history in the mental health field of pathologizing alternative gender identities and the well-researched detrimental impact that experiences of discrimination have on one's mental health, there has been no research on experiences of bias and discrimination in mental health treatment settings. Similarly, there has been a great deal of research on the role of affirmative therapy techniques relating to gay, lesbian, and bisexual persons, …

Standards Of Care : Transgender/Genderqueer Clients' Experiences With Mental Health Workers, Hunter Greenwood Swanson

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative, exploratory study sought to explore the experiences of transgender and genderqueer clients with the mental health system. Its purpose is to introduce the voices of the clients themselves into a body of literature that is currently largely dominated by professionals outside the trans community. Twelve people who self-identify as trans or genderqueer were recruited through postings on mailing lists and in queer-friendly spaces in Massachusetts and agreed to participate in hour-long interviews detailing their experiences in therapy as well as their feelings about their gender identities. Questions addressed quality of care received, length of time spent in therapy, …

School Based Mental Health Providers' Perceptions Of Their Training In Serving Lgbtqi Youth, Sarah Eley

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study examined school based mental health workers' pre and post-graduate training around working with LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex) youth. This qualitative, exploratory study aimed to explore the gaps and barriers in existing training for those working with LGBTQI youth in schools and discuss the possible outcomes for creating change in historically heterosexist, homophobic, and transphobic learning environments where professionals are trained and where young people come learn. Twelve participants who have worked in high school settings were interviewed about their graduate training and their current work with meeting the needs of LGBTQI youth in schools. These …

A Retrospective Look At The Perceived Effects Of Parental Acceptance/Non-Acceptance On Transgender Adolescents, Tara Ryan

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The focus of this study is to retroactively explore the effects of parental acceptance or non-acceptance on transgender adolescents. In this study, transgender adults report retrospectively on their experiences as adolescents regarding their relationship with parents. The purpose of this study is to answer the following question: What are the retrospective perceived effects of parental acceptance/non-acceptance of transgender individuals during adolescence? The participants in this study were 22 self-identified transgender adults. Participant ages ranged from 25 to 63 years. There was limited racial/ethnic diversity in the study, as all participants identified as White, with five of these participants also identifying …