This research project received funding through the 2024-2025 Institute for Diversity Science Seed Grant Program
Principal Investigator: Stephanie Budge, Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Co-Investigator: Louis Lindley, Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Abstract:
Trans and nonbinary (TNB) individuals often face significant mental health challenges and distress, largely due to gender dysphoria. Despite their need for support, TNB people encounter many obstacles when trying to access therapy. However, online therapeutic interventions have proven to be effective in improving the well-being of TNB individuals, showing similar results to traditional psychotherapy. Although there are some online interventions specifically designed for TNB people, none have focused directly on reducing gender dysphoria.
The Trans Care intervention seeks to fill this gap. It offers free, online training in coping skills, with the goal of reducing gender dysphoria symptoms and improving overall well-being. It builds on existing research about how TNB individuals cope with gender dysphoria, aiming to help them manage their symptoms effectively. The Trans Care aligns with diversity science by identifying and removing systemic barriers that block access to mental health care for TNB people. Importantly, this intervention is informed and developed with TNB communities, ensuring that it is inclusive and relevant to a wide range of TNB individuals. To test the Trans Care intervention effectiveness, a randomized controlled trial will be conducted. This trial is expected to show that participants who use Trans Care will have better coping skills, improved well-being, and reduced gender dysphoria symptoms.