Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9291-6328

Semester

Summer

Date of Graduation

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

PhD

College

School of Public Health

Department

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Committee Chair

Danielle Davidov

Committee Co-Chair

Christiaan Abildso

Committee Member

Alfgeir Kristjansson

Committee Member

John Blosnich

Abstract

Background. The body of literature shows that TGNC adults and youth face a multitude of health disparities (e.g., depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, body dysmorphia) due to their marginalization. Neither Meyer’s Minority Stress Model nor Testa’s Gender Minority Stress and Resilience Model sufficiently examines coping and the ways it interacts with other concepts within the model. Aims. The objective of this dissertation was to examine the coping resources and strategies of Appalachian transgender and gender nonconforming individuals. The three aims of this study were to: 1) evaluate the relationship of coping resources and strategies between TGNC Youth and cisgender Youth using the Integrated Community Engagement Collaborative’s survey data, 2) determine Appalachian TGNC individuals’ knowledge, availability, and utilization of coping resources for minority stress, and 3) determine Appalachian TGNC individuals’ attitudes and current practices regarding coping strategies for minority stress. Methods. For aim 1, a quantitative research design was used. Data from the Integrated Community Engagement Collaborative’s Fall 2021 survey. The survey assesses substance use, risk, and protective factors, including social support. The Perceived Parental Support Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and a novel instrument of coping behaviors were analyzed to evaluate the relationship of coping resources and strategies with gender identity. Data was analyzed using logistic regressions and an ANOVA. For aims 2 and 3, a qualitative mixed methods research design was used. Data was collected from a survey designed using validated measures from Testa’s Gender Minority Stress and Resilience Measure and from a semi-structured interview. The interview covered topics of an individual’s current environment, the stress they experience, the resources they have, and the strategies they use to cope with the stress. Data was analyzed by two independent coders using an inductive open-coding process. Survey data was integrated into interview probes and into a stress and coping matrix. Results. From Aim 1, it was found that TGNC youth (especially trans boys and gender nonconforming youth) perceive significantly less parental, family, friends, and significant other social support than their cisgender peers. From Aim 2, social support was found to be prominent coping resource and differences were found between the types of coping received from TGNC support groups, family and friends, and healthcare providers. Aim 3, reemphasized how important social support seeking strategies are to an individual and found that TGNC individuals utilize escapist/avoidant, mindfulness, and problem-solving strategies in addition to support seeking. Conclusion. Taken together social support was found to be an important factor in TGNC individuals’ coping. Aims 2 and 3 further expanded the understanding of TGNC coping through the finding that the coping strategies utilized, and the resources received when coping with a specific stressor varied by the type of stressor.

Embargo Reason

Publication Pending

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