Graduation Year

2023

Document Type

Open Access Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Psychology

Reader 1

Professor Catalino

Reader 2

Professor Mesinas

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Abstract

There is a variety of research showing that transgender people report less well-being than their cisgender peers, higher stress and increased likelihood of suicide attempts. There are models to explain this minority stress; however, they focus on sexual minorities and lack information about gender minorities. Positive psychology is a field that focuses on increasing well-being and changing small parts of daily life to increase well-being. One method is gratitude interventions; weekly reflection on what you are thankful for. Also, social support is a potential moderator of the relationship between positive psychology exercises and well-being. There is very little research on minority populations in positive psychology. This study seeks to remedy the gap in the literature by investigating the impact of gratitude interventions with transgender adults. The proposed procedure is that transgender adults will participate in either a gratitude intervention or a journaling control condition for a period of 8 weeks. Their well-being would be measured before and after the intervention, in addition to a measurement of social support prior to the intervention period. The expected results are that participation in gratitude interventions will lead to greater well-being. It is also expected that social support will moderate the relationship between gratitude interventions and well-being. These results would be in line with previous findings. This is important research to consider in order to benefit the mental health of transgender individuals and contribute to the further representation of minorities in positive psychology.

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