Date of Award

2021

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine components of support that may predict better mental health outcomes for transgender people. Gender is typically associated with natal sex. When a persons gender identity does not match their assigned sex at birth, living their life and feeling accepted by society can be challenging. Previous research suggested that support across a variety of settings such as in the home, interpersonal relationships, work, and academic settings are predictive of better overall life outcomes and when this support is lacking, psychological distress such as depression, anxiety, shame, guilt, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation may negatively impact the individual. Although lack of support may negatively impact the day-to-day lives of transgender people, daily challenges associated with their gender identity, such as having to conceal their gender identity, may also create a layer of stress that can make the individual feel stigmatized. Participants who identified as transgender, were over 18-years old, and spoke English were recruited through snowball sampling. The criterion variables were the participants psychological health as measured by scores on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. The predictor variables were scores on the Gender Minority Stress and Resilience Measure subscales, the Intimacy subscale on the Transgender Positive Identity Measure, the Family of Origin subscales on the Daily Heterosexist Experience Questionnaire, the Identity Concealment Measure, and the Relationship Function Inventory. It was hypothesized that greater reported levels of support in an individuals home life, interpersonal relationships and friendships, work environments, and academic settings would predict higher levels of psychological well-being and life satisfaction. Furthermore, greater perceived levels of support from family members would be associated with lower psychological distress even when lower perceived support is reported from interpersonal relationships and friendships, work environments, and academic settings. Additionally, we predicted that higher levels of minority stress and stigma and a greater desire to conceal ones gender identity would be associated with more psychological distress and lower levels of life satisfaction. Greater family support significantly predicted less anxiety and less depression. The perception of a strong support system significantly predicted greater life satisfaction. Greater levels of internalized transphobia and negative expectations predicted lower life satisfaction with internalized transphobia being the strongest predictor. Exploratory analysis suggested that people who used gender marker changes reported significantly more life satisfaction than those who did not. People who underwent surgery reported significantly less anxiety and more life satisfaction than people who did not complete a surgical procedure. There were significant differences between people who used gender marker changes, received hormone treatment and elected to have surgery and those who did not. Those who utilized these gender affirming behaviors reported greater levels of gender affirmation. People who elected to utilize hormones also reported significantly more intimacy with their partner than those who did not take hormones. Results are discussed in terms of how the study findings can increase the understanding of clinicians as they assist individuals through the transition process by improving family support with psychoeducation, reducing barriers to care, and reducing isolation in higher education.

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