Stress-Related Growth Among Transgender Women: Measurement, Correlates, and Insights for Clinical Interventions

ABSTRACT

Although transgender women (TGW), and especially TGW of color, are disproportionately exposed to discrimination and violence, many of them experience stress-related growth. However, little is known about the experience of stress-related growth and its correlates among TGW. Using data from a racially-diverse sample of 210 TGW, the short version of the Stress-Related Growth Scale was modified to assess growth as a result of coming to terms with one’s transgender identity among TGW. The psychometric properties of the modified scale were examined, along with its associations with various cognitive, emotional, and social factors. A confirmatory factor analysis revealed a unidimensional factor, along with excellent reliability. A stepwise regression revealed that positive reappraisal, internal locus of control, social support, and emotional expression were associated with greater stress-related growth. Findings suggest that cognitive, emotional, and social resources are related to stress-related growth in TGW. Interventions to foster stress-related growth among TGW are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Stress-related growth
• transgender women
• positive reappraisal
• internal locus of control
• social support
• emotional expression
• self-esteem
• psychometrics
• CFA
• positive psychology

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank our participants for sharing their experiences, and to acknowledge other members of the T-Talk Study Team (especially Evie Arroyo, Julia Bassiri, Aaron Breslow, Alex Brousset, Ericka Florenciani, Miasha Forbes, Joshua Guthals, Ida Hammer, Savannah Hornback, Ruben Jimenez, Doug Keeler, Kevin Jones, Tina Koo, Jonathan Lassiter, Jaisyn Melenciano, Will Mellman, Chloe Mirzayi, Vanessa Nasert, Arjee Restar, Lena Saleh, Martez Smith, Laurie Spacek, Madison St. Clair, Nala Toussaint, and Ana Ventuneac) who were integrally involved in the development, implementation, and dissemination of this study. The authors would also like to thank our community partners: Carrie Davis, Cristina Herrera, The LGBT Center, Asa Radix, Linda Li, Makada Bernard, and Callen-Lorde Community Health Center. Finally, special thanks to Drs. Richard Jenkins and Pamela Goodlow at NIDA. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Drug Abuse [R01-DA 034661, PI: Parsons, Rendina]. Geolocation Information: New York City Metropolitan Area.