As a practitioner in the field of online therapy, it is crucial to continuously improve your skills and knowledge. One area that deserves attention is understanding and addressing discrimination against transgender individuals. A recent study titled Measuring Discrimination Against Transgender People at the University of the Basque Country and in a Non-University Sample in Spain provides valuable insights that can help you enhance your practice.
The study analyzed the attitudes of 376 undergraduate students and a sample from the general public towards transgender individuals. It found that while attitudes among higher education students were relatively positive, there was a significant lack of knowledge about transgender identity. Additionally, men exhibited more negative attitudes compared to women, highlighting the need for targeted educational efforts.
Here are some key takeaways from the study that can help you improve your online therapy practice:
- Increase Knowledge and Awareness: The study emphasizes the importance of expanding knowledge about transgender identities. As a practitioner, you can seek out training and resources to better understand the experiences and challenges faced by transgender individuals.
- Address Gender Differences: The research found that men generally have more negative attitudes towards transgender people. Consider incorporating discussions about gender and transphobia into your sessions, especially when working with male clients.
- Foster Inclusive Environments: The findings suggest that engineering students demonstrated more transphobic attitudes compared to those in humanities and social sciences. Creating a more inclusive and supportive environment in your practice can help transgender clients feel more comfortable and understood.
- Promote Positive Attitudes: Health professionals and women showed more positive attitudes towards transgender individuals. Highlighting these positive examples in your sessions can help shift negative perceptions and foster a more accepting attitude among your clients.
Encouraging further research and self-education is also essential. By staying informed about the latest studies and findings, you can continually improve your practice and provide better support to your clients.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Measuring Discrimination Against Transgender People at the University of the Basque Country and in a Non-University Sample in Spain.
