Individual, social and community-level predictors of wellbeing in a US sample of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.
In the last decade, increased attention has been paid to the physical and mental health needs of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. However, despite this surge of research, scant literature addresses factors associated with wellbeing among members of this population. Using data from the US Social Justice Sexuality Survey, this study examines predictors of wellbeing in a sample of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Results indicate that higher levels of wellbeing are predicted by education, older age and a greater sense of connectedness to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Additionally, although health insurance did not have a significant impact on wellbeing, increased general health was associated with greater wellbeing, as was perceived comfort of the healthcare provider regarding the respondent's sexual identity. These findings can inform multi-level intervention with transgender and gender non-conforming persons to promote their wellbeing, as well as guide policies and practices around healthcare provider training. Future research should further examine the interconnected predictors of wellbeing among members of this population.
a Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention and Policy , University of Connecticut , Storrs , USA.
Megan C
MC
Stanton
b Graduate College of Social Work , University of Houston , Houston , USA.
Samira
S
Ali
c School of Social Policy and Practice , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , USA.
Sambuddha
S
Chaudhuri
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D000072339:Sexual and Gender Minorities / Q000523:psychology*; D019529:Sexuality / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Transgender; USA; gender non-conforming; health disparities; wellbeing