RESUMEN
Background: Gender euphoria (i.e., a positive feeling associated with one's gender identity, expression, or affirmation) is widely discussed among transgender and gender diverse (hereafter referred to as trans) individuals. However, as a construct, gender euphoria has never been formally measured and has rarely been empirically studied. Hence, this protocol paper illustrates our process for developing and validating a new tool to measure gender euphoria, known as the Gender Euphoria Scale (GES), for use with trans populations. Methods: Deductive methods including findings from previous research and a review of existing measures, together with inductive methods such as expert feedback and focus groups with trans individuals, were used to generate a preliminary item pool for the GES. Pilot testing with trans community members and mental health clinicians was then used to refine items and develop a preliminary scale. Trans participants involved in an ongoing longitudinal study (TRANSform) were invited to complete the scale alongside measures of personality and gender factors to assess validity. Participants were then invited to complete the scale two weeks after initial completion to assess the test-retest reliability of the scale. The next stage in the scale development process will be to examine the dimensionality of the GES using exploratory factor analytic techniques. The scale will then be assessed for internal consistency, temporal stability, discriminant validity, and convergent validity. Conclusion: This paper outlines the development and characterization of a novel tool to measure gender euphoria for the first time. The GES will facilitate research opportunities to better understand the nature of gender euphoria and its influences, and may be used clinically to examine relationships between gender euphoria and gender affirming interventions. Hence, we expect the GES to make a significant contribution to both research and clinical practice with trans communities.
RESUMEN
A style of coping with stress is described which has been observed in cancer patients and in highly dependent, insecurely attached individuals. This coping style includes the suppression of negative emotions and avoidance of support seeking. It is suggested that this pattern of responses is potentially dysfunctional insofar as it tends to perpetuate distress and may increase vulnerability to a broad range of illnesses. These considerations provide the basis for a provisional conceptual model, which links avoidant attachment style to the regulation of negative affect and to symptoms of psychological and physical ill-health. This is tested on a sample of young adults under stress and predictions from the model are largely supported.
Asunto(s)
Reacción de Prevención , Mecanismos de Defensa , Apego a Objetos , Trastornos Psicofisiológicos/psicología , Trastornos Somatomorfos/psicología , Adaptación Psicológica , Adolescente , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Control Interno-Externo , Masculino , Neoplasias/psicología , Desarrollo de la Personalidad , Inventario de Personalidad , Apoyo Social , Estrés Psicológico/complicacionesRESUMEN
Homeless, Anglo-Australian and Greek-Australian 16-year-olds were questioned about their sexual behaviour and sexual beliefs. Measures of sexual risk-taking included type of behaviour, condom use and number of partners. Drug risk was assessed by extent of i.v. drug use, and sharing and cleaning needles. Sexual beliefs included self-perceptions of sexual anxiety, arousal, exploration and commitment. In addition, motivations for engaging in, or avoiding, sex were elicited. The behaviour patterns of homeless adolescents placed them at considerable risk of HIV infection for both sexual and drug risk, and significantly more so than their home-based peers. Gender stereotypic self-perceptions were reported, and homeless and Anglo-Australian youths demonstrated a more masculine style in their self-perceptions than were Greek-Australians. Preferred motivations for sex differed, with homeless youths less concerned about the consequences of sex and more with self-gratification than the home-based adolescents. For homeless girls, higher levels of sexual risk were predicted by perceptions of greater arousal and by less concern about the consequences of sexual activity. Implications for targeted interventions are discussed.