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Using Intergroup Contact Theory to Reduce Stigma Against Transgender Individuals: Impact of a Transgender Speaker Panel Presentation
Author(s) -
Walch Susan E.,
Sinkkanen Kimberly A.,
Swain Elisabeth M.,
Francisco Jacquelyn,
Breaux Cassi A.,
Sjoberg Marie D.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of applied social psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.822
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1559-1816
pISSN - 0021-9029
DOI - 10.1111/j.1559-1816.2012.00955.x
Subject(s) - transgender , transphobia , psychology , prejudice (legal term) , contact hypothesis , social psychology , stigma (botany) , lesbian , sexual identity , contact theory , interpersonal communication , clinical psychology , gender studies , human sexuality , structural engineering , psychiatry , sociology , psychoanalysis , engineering
Sexual minorities experience significant stigma and prejudice. Much research has examined sexual stigma and prejudice impacting gay and lesbian individuals, but limited research has examined other sexual minorities, such as transgender persons or individuals whose gender identity or expression is incongruent with their assigned gender or anatomical sex. Research has found that interpersonal contact with sexual minorities is associated with lower sexual stigma and prejudice. Intergroup contact theory predicts that interaction between groups can reduce stereotyping and improve intergroup relationships. Using a randomized crossover design, this study compared the impact of exposure to a transgender speaker panel vs. a traditional transgender lecture presentation on transphobia. Results indicated greater immediate reductions of transphobia following the transgender speaker panel than traditional lecture.