Pilot of a Digital Intervention to Help Trans People and Their Loved Ones Manage Difficult Emotions

What is it about?

This study looked at whether an online emotion focused intervention could help transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people better manage difficult emotions like stress, sadness, or anxiety. The TGD person was also able to invite a support person, for example a friend, partner, or family member, to take part in the intervention. Because trans people face unique challenges, such as discrimination, not being accepted, and experiencing gender dysphoria, they may be at higher risk for mental health struggles. Within this study we developed and evaluated the feasibility of an online emotion focused intervention to see if learning skills to regulate emotion could be helpful to improve mental health. A 10-week internet-based intervention based on cognitive behavioral therapy was created. The intervention was administered digitally and consisted of texts to read, worksheets and assignments in relation to topics covered in the text material. The intervention focused on teaching and practicing skills such as recognizing emotions, managing stress, and building healthy relationships. Support people could take part through a separate, shorter version of the intervention where they worked with similar topics in order to increase understanding and improve ability to provide support for their loved ones. Eighteen trans people and eight support people participated in the study. The results showed that people generally found the program helpful and safe. While some had trouble finishing all the modules, most participants were satisfied and felt more aware of how to handle emotions. No serious negative effects were reported. This was a small pilot study, so more research is needed, but it shows promise that online emotional support tools could be helpful for trans people and their support persons. Further evaluation is needed to find feasible and effective ways to support trans people and improve their mental health.

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Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash

Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Transgender and gender diverse people often face discrimination, stress, and lack of support, which can lead to mental health challenges like depression or anxiety. There are very few evaluated psychological treatment programs designed specifically for TGD peoples’ needs. This study is important because it explores a new, accessible way to help trans people and their loved ones build emotional coping skills. If proven effective, such treatment could fill a major gap in how to care for trans peoples’ mental health and offer support to those who might not otherwise have access to affirming mental health interventions.

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