Journal of Psychiatry

Acknowledge Me A grounded theory exploration of transgender experiences of family and social support and rejection

Annual Congress on Mental Health

July 09-11, 2018 | Paris, France

Deborah Anne Coolhart

Syracuse University, USA

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Psychiatry

Abstract:

Transgender people often face pervasive discrimination in their families, schools, workplaces, and other settings. Research suggests that family and social support may buffer some of their negative mental and physical health outcomes, resulting in less depression, suicidality, drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness, incarceration, sex work, and severe psychological distress (Grant et al., 2011; James et al., 2016). However, research has not described specific behaviors which constitute support and rejection. This study, utilized grounded theory to explore what support and rejection look like for transgender people in their families and other social settings, and how this support and rejection impact well-being. In-depth interviews (n=16) were conducted with transgender people, parents of transgender youth, and therapists who specialize in working with transgender clients. Findings suggest acknowledgement as a central theme in understanding transgender experiences of support. The presentation will discuss several subthemes of acknowledging (such as using correct name/pronouns, giving gender affirming gifts, and helping access transgender-specific healthcare) as well as not acknowledging (such as ignoring, believing that it is not real, and seeing the person as their assigned gender). Additionally, the emergent grounded theory will be discussed, with acknowledging and not acknowledging leading to positive and negative consequences on well-being, both of which often lead to described experiences of resilience. Implications for clinical work with transgender people and their families will be discussed.

Biography :

Deborah Anne Coolhart, PhD, LMFT, is an Assistant Professor in the Marriage and Family Therapy Department at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. She is specialized in working with transgender people and their families in her private practice for almost 20 years. She created the Trans Team in Syracuse University’s Couple and Family Therapy Center, where she trains and supervises students to work with transgender people and their families. She conducts research and has several publications on transgender people, including papers on transgender youth and their families and the readiness process for medical gender transition.

E-mail: dcoole@syr.edu