Coping, Resilience, and Social Support Among Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals Experiencing Gender-Related Stress

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals experience stigma related to their gender identity. However, little research has been conducted exploring how TGD individuals cope with, build resilience from, or obtain support concerning gender-related stress. In this study, we recruited TGD individuals (n = 30) to elucidate the coping strategies used in response to gender-related stress; to explore how they developed and maintained resilience; and to understand the impact of social support from others in navigating gender-related stressors. Participants completed individual, semistructured, qualitative interviews, which we coded using consensual qualitative research methods. Many participants underscored the strain of having to educate cisgender friends, family, and health care providers about TGD experiences. Participants endorsed using strategic avoidance or modulating their gender presentation to manage gender-related stress. Additionally, participants discussed various intragroup prosocial behaviors (i.e., developing TGD spaces) to sustain resilience and increase or maintain social support. Despite the expansive literature focused on TGD risk, most participants reported significant self-compassion and effective coping strategies for managing gender-related stress throughout their lives. Unique techniques described by our participants that are infrequently discussed in the coping literature on cisgender individuals (i.e., strategic avoidance and intragroup prosocial behaviors) echo those reported by other marginalized group members. Public Significance Statement The present study used consensual qualitative research methods to investigate coping and resilience in a sample of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals. We advanced the understanding of how TGD individuals cope, and even thrive, despite the ubiquitous experience of gender-related stress. Possible implications emerged about ways to better support TGD individuals, both clinically and socially.

Automated summary

This study explores coping strategies, resilience, and social support among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals. The findings suggest that TGD individuals use strategic avoidance and modulate their gender presentation to manage gender-related stress. They also develop TGD spaces and engage in intragroup prosocial behaviors to sustain resilience and social support. Despite existing literature on TGD risk, most participants reported significant self-compassion and effective coping strategies.