Transgenders and their psychological issues: an intervention Program

Abstract

The present study was aimed to devise an intervention plan based on the psychological issues of transgender community. Sample consisted of transgender (N=3). The study was qualitative cum quantitative in nature. The study consisted of two steps, first involved exploration and identification of the psychological issues and the second step consisted of execution of the intervention plan. Psychological issues were explored by carrying out focused group discussions, detailed interviews, and by consulting DSM 5. Intervention plan was based on Prochaska Model of Change (Prochaska & DiClemente, 1986). Human Figure Drawing (HFD) (Koppitz, 1981) and Coping Style Scales (Zamaan & Ali, 2015) were used for Pre, and Post Testing. Thematic Analysis was done to carry out detailed analysis on information gathered through focused group discussions. Research indicated that a large number of Transgender population suffer from gender dysphoria, suicidal ideations, selfmutilation, have relationship issues, and are harassed by police officials. Each psychological issue was dealt with a different technique: For suicidal Ideations, crises intervention including resource mobilization, some techniques of CBT and support group was formed. To deal with low self-esteem techniques of psychodrama involving role reversal, mirroring and modeling were utilized. For Gender Dysphoria motivational interviewing, reframing, metaphors and use of motivational videos were included in the therapeutic sessions. There is a lack of awareness about transgender community and a lot of practical work needs to be done to inculcate transgender in the mainstream population. Hence practical steps needs to be taken for the psychological welfare and betterment of Transgender. Recommendations were discussed and suggestions for further research were made.