Purpose: Previous
research indicates elevated risk for psychological distress in sexual and
gender minority populations, and some research suggests that stigma contributes
to elevated psychological distress among members of these groups. This study
examined the hypothesis that exposure to transgender-related stigma (TRS) is
associated with both higher levels of depression and anxiety among transgender
women.
Methods: We
analyzed data from a diverse sample of 191 adult transgender women living or
working in the San Francisco Bay area who were recruited using purposive
sampling methods to participate in a cross-sectional survey, which included
measures of stigmatization, depression, and anxiety.
Results: Higher
levels of exposure to TRS were independently associated with higher levels of
depression (β=0.31, P<.001)
and anxiety (β=39, P<.001),
adjusting for self-reported health and sociodemographic co-variates.
Associations between stigmatization, depression, and anxiety were not moderated
by participants' age or race/ethnicity.
Conclusion: Findings
suggest a need for counseling interventions to address the role of
stigmatization as a factor potentially contributing to psychological distress
among transgender women. This research further highlights the need to develop a
stronger evidence base on effective counseling approaches to improve the mental
health of transgender women.
Purchase full article at: http://goo.gl/7MSENX
By:
1Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences,
Brown University School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence,
Rhode Island.
2Alpert Medical School, Brown University,
Providence, Rhode Island.
Address correspondence to:
Don Operario, PhD
Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Brown University
121 South Main Street
Providence, RI 02903
E-mail: Don_Operario@brown.edu
More at: https://twitter.com/hiv_insight
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