The Effect of Internalized Transphobia on the Association Between Gender Congruence and Sexual Satisfaction in Transgender Men
Description
Despite the population of transgender individuals in the United States doubling
from 2011 to 2016, this population is one of the most understudied in psychological
science. Of the available research, the associations between gender congruence, defined
as an individual’s body matching their gender identity, and well-being have been
examined, particularly demonstrating positive associations between gender congruence
and overall life satisfaction. However, there remains a dearth of research on the possible
associations between gender congruence and relational well-being - particularly sexual
satisfaction - and possible moderating effects of the internal negative feelings regarding
one’s identity (internalized transphobia). To address these gaps in the literature, this study
gathered data from 165 binary transgender men. While there was not an effect of gender
congruence on sexual satisfaction, internalized transphobia was found to moderate this
association such that individuals who reported high internalized transphobia and high
gender congruence reported the highest sexual satisfaction. Results of this study highlight
the existing literature on the negative associations between internalized transphobia and
well-being for transgender individuals. Implications for counselors are discussed,
including advocacy efforts and implementation of techniques to facilitate growth and
resilience to help transgender clients navigate the negative effects of internalized
transphobia.
from 2011 to 2016, this population is one of the most understudied in psychological
science. Of the available research, the associations between gender congruence, defined
as an individual’s body matching their gender identity, and well-being have been
examined, particularly demonstrating positive associations between gender congruence
and overall life satisfaction. However, there remains a dearth of research on the possible
associations between gender congruence and relational well-being - particularly sexual
satisfaction - and possible moderating effects of the internal negative feelings regarding
one’s identity (internalized transphobia). To address these gaps in the literature, this study
gathered data from 165 binary transgender men. While there was not an effect of gender
congruence on sexual satisfaction, internalized transphobia was found to moderate this
association such that individuals who reported high internalized transphobia and high
gender congruence reported the highest sexual satisfaction. Results of this study highlight
the existing literature on the negative associations between internalized transphobia and
well-being for transgender individuals. Implications for counselors are discussed,
including advocacy efforts and implementation of techniques to facilitate growth and
resilience to help transgender clients navigate the negative effects of internalized
transphobia.
Date Created
The date the item was original created (prior to any relationship with the ASU Digital Repositories.)
2020
Agent
- Author (aut): Kline, Kai
- Thesis advisor (ths): Randall, Ashley K.
- Committee member: Pereira, Jennifer
- Committee member: Buckman, Lindsey
- Committee member: Gill, Lian
- Publisher (pbl): Arizona State University