Development and validation of the Trans and Nonbinary Coping Measure (TNCM): A measure of trans and nonbinary specific ways of coping with gender-related stress.

Abstract

Trans and nonbinary (TNB) individuals cope with gender-related stress in unique ways that are not captured in existing coping measures. The present research extends prior qualitative research on these unique coping strategies to develop and validate the Trans and Nonbinary Coping Measure (TNCM). The initial developed pool of potential items was presented to two focus groups and five content experts for review. In Study 1 (N = 298), the 166 initial items hypothesized to underly an eight-factor structure were analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA, CFA). Results from the EFA and CFA revealed a six-factor structure as the best fit with 130 items removed. Study 1 also provided preliminary construct and discriminant validity due to significant correlations between the TNCM and an existing measure of coping and nonsignificant relations with a measure of self-motivation. In Study 2 (N = 497), an independent sample of TNB participants was recruited and findings from CFA analysis indicated that the removal of an additional 8 items was statistically optimal. With the removal of these eight items, configural, metric, and partial scalar invariance between TNB gender identity groups was supported. Additionally, results from Study 2 further supported construct and predictive validity through correlations between the TNCM and measures of gender minority stress and mental health outcomes. Finally, Study 3 (N = 35) provided support for test–retest reliability with a third independent sample of TNB participants. Across the studies, the TNCM was found to be a valid measure of TNB specific ways of coping.

The impact of minority stress on the psychological distress and college self-efficacy of transgender and gender-diverse college students who are neurodivergent.

“…The GRD, GRR, and IT have been positively associated with perceived general life stress among TGD adults (Testa et al, 2015). The GRD, GRR, and IT subscales have demonstrated good internal consistency (α = .85–.92) in a sample of TGD adults (Lindley & Budge, 2022). The subscales demonstrated good internal consistency in the present study (α = .71, .76, and .90, respectively).…”

Navigating secondary school: A perspective from trans and non‐binary activists

“…Activism and advocacy are recognized as specific forms of resilience and coping strategies in various contexts (Lindley & Budge, 2022;Puckett et al, 2022). Indeed, TNB youth engage in multiple ways to promote social change.…”

“…1.2 | From personal resilience to collective empowerment: TNB advocacy in educational spaces TNB youth often find themselves fighting and resisting in various contexts for their identity due to systemic discrimination, minority stress, and cisnormativity (Frost & Meyer, 2023). They also employ various coping mechanisms to navigate these challenges (Lindley & Budge, 2022) and cultivate resilience (Puckett et al, 2022). Recognizing the systemic nature of stigma and oppression helps young people stop blaming themselves as victims and pushes them to reshape institutional practices to meet their needs and address structural inequalities (Ginwright & James, 2002).…”

“…For example, as clients and patients, they strive to advocate not only for their rights related to gender‐affirming procedures but also within the entire health system (Hostetter et al, 2022). Additionally, they participate in community building by joining local TNB‐focused support groups and creating affirming spaces (Lindley & Budge, 2022). These actions align with the SJYD premise that the power to change oppressive social conditions lies in collective efforts rather than individual actions (Ginwright & Cammarota, 2002; Ginwright & James, 2002).…”

“…Educational activism in schools provides a generative space for LGBTQIA+ and marginalized youth, fostering advocacy and education to create a more inclusive educational environment for present and future LGBTQIA+ students (Alex Wagaman, 2016; Iskander & Shabtay, 2018). Activism and advocacy are recognized as specific forms of resilience and coping strategies in various contexts (Lindley & Budge, 2022; Puckett et al, 2022). Indeed, TNB youth engage in multiple ways to promote social change.…”