An AFFIRMative cognitive behavioral intervention for transgender youth: Preliminary effectiveness

AFFIRM
Written By INQYR

Austin, A., Craig, S. L., & D’Souza, S. (2018). An AFFIRMative cognitive behavioral intervention for transgender youth: Preliminary effectiveness. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 49(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1037/pro0000154

Highlights

Background

Authentically expressing and navigating a transgender or gender nonconforming identity during adolescence can be a difficult and painful process.

Using a transgender affirmative approach to clinical practice, psychologists and other mental health professionals can play a key role in supporting youth through this process.

To date, there is a paucity of research exploring the impact of transgender affirmative interventions on well-being.

Study Description

  • This article presents the results of a pilot study exploring the preliminary effectiveness and acceptability of AFFIRM, an affirmative cognitive– behavioral coping skills group intervention, with transgender youth

  • We will also describe transgender-specific considerations for delivering transgender affirmative interventions

  • The transgender subsample (n = 8) of participants in the study were aged 16–18 and represented a diversity of intersecting racial/ethnic, sexual, and gender identities

Key Findings

  • Results indicate that AFFIRM was effective in significantly decreasing depression scores, and changes persisted through the 3-month follow-up

  • While changes in coping were not statistically significant, scores trended in a positive direction

  • Data indicate favorable responses to AFFIRM among transgender participants across a variety of dimensions of satisfaction

Conclusion

  • While findings are preliminary, they are promising, addressing a critical gap in intervention research aimed at decreasing depression and improving coping among transgender youth

  • There is need for future controlled studies exploring the efficacy of AFFIRM with larger samples of transgender youth

 
INQYR
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