Index Effects of Transphobia on Mental Health Status and Career Choices Various Perspectives for Studying the Problem of Transphobia in Society Conclusion References Although some segments of the population today are generally more more tolerant and accepting of members of the LGBTQ+ community than in the past, the transphobic “epidemic” is still strong, growing and still having negative effects on transgender individuals' mental and emotional well-being, as well as their safety and health. In 2016, there were approximately 1.4 million adults in the United States who identified as transgender. That number is multiplying rapidly, and prejudices against this population are increasing exponentially with that growth. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay These biases exist both on a large scale, as seen in high rates of hate crimes and workplace discrimination, and on a smaller scale of microaggressions from family and friends. The FBI says anti-LGBTQ+ crimes are increasing rapidly. One in two transgender individuals experience sexual abuse or assault at least once in their lives, and this number is even higher among “transgender youth, transgender people of color, people with disabilities, the homeless, and those involved in the sex trade.” sex". ”. Additionally, half of the people who die in violent crimes against the LGBTQ+ community are transgender women. Microaggressions and transphobia are the building blocks of these hate crimes that transgender people face every day. Effects of transphobia on mental health and career choices Transphobia negatively affects the mental health of transgender people. Suicidal ideation, isolation, shame, and alienation are all mental consequences of transphobia that transgender people face. The prejudices of those around them often prevent them from being hired and can cause safety issues (hate crimes, sexual abuse/assault, domestic violence). The fear of being unemployable and the fear of harm also profoundly affect a transgender individual's mental health. Because of the mental health effects the transgender community faces, transphobia is often a topic in pop psychology magazines, such as Psychology Today. In a recent article in this journal, the author discusses three studies that seek to understand the causes of transphobia. Researchers have found that transphobia is more prevalent among people who highly value the gender binary. They feel the “threat of distinction,” that is, any action or person that does not adequately fit into their concept of a gender group. Because our groups define us, clear gender boundaries are perceived as important. The way we wear our hair, our names, and our clothes help tell us who we are. Transphobia occurs when people step outside of gender norms for these outward appearances. Studies also found that trans people who conform to the original opposite gender were the most threatening. Transphobia has a negative impact on transgender individuals' career choices and potential for promotions, family relationships and friendships, health and safety, and their mental health. I've seen it in my life, when I was a teenager living in a small town in Arkansas. I was friends with a transgender boy and transphobia followed him everywhere. His parents were unsupportive and emotionally, verbally, and physically abusive. She was adamant about not seeking help because she was afraid of what he might sayany consultant or doctor as the city was very conservative. He was bullied at school and teachers often bullied him on purpose. Seeing her experience motivated me to research and write about transphobia. The purpose of this article is to educate myself about transphobia and to share that knowledge so that kids like my friend can one day find kinder, more enlightened people who walk through life with him. I will examine these issues through behavioral psychological, socio-cultural, and humanistic perspectives. Various perspectives to study the issue of transphobia in society The humanistic perspective approaches the study of transphobia in both gender conforming people and transgender people who have internalized transphobia look for ways in which both groups can overcome ingrained prejudices to become more open and enlightened, both about the sexuality of others and about their own. Humanistic psychologists studied a group of transgender men in Italy. They screened them for feelings of shame, depression, internalized transphobia, anxiety and resilience. They also asked about any experiences of anti-transgender discrimination they may have had. These researchers focused on minority stress theory, which is the theory that minority groups such as the transgender community feel stressed because they are in the minority and the majority is prejudiced against them. The researchers found that high resilience was the only prevention against anxiety and depression from being discriminated against by the majority. This high resilience was typically found in a romantic relationship or support group, and was also a strong deterrent to internalized transphobia. The study authors concluded that counselors should focus on helping clients see their self-image as less focused on the gender binary. When viewed from a behavioral perspective, it is clear that microaggressions toward transgender people display transphobia in hidden and subtle ways. Microaggressions are words or behaviors that show contempt and hostility toward oppressed groups, such as the transgender community, in a casual way. One study focused on twelve types of microaggressions experienced by transgender people. These microaggressions include incorrect use of pronouns, assuming that all transgender people are equal, treating transgender people as tokens, and condemnation. When faced with microaggressions, transgender individuals' reactions may vary, but the study found three themes in behavioral responses to transphobic microaggressions: direct confrontation, indirect confrontation, and passive coping. Microaggressions can be committed by both those who support and those who do not support the transgender community. Because even well-intentioned people can be blind to the negative effects on the transgender community, it is imperative that the general public, and particularly those who work closely with the transgender community, are educated about implicit bias and microaggressions. To work to minimize the occurrence of microaggressions toward the transgender community, psychologists and teachers can play a key role. People in authority should be encouraged to take an implicit bias test, like the one created by Harvard University. Psychologists can reflect on their own implicit biases and be aware of any microaggressions committed. Teachers can educate their students about microaggressions and help create a more tolerant and respectful generation. And since it is. 927-933.