Psychosocial Theory and Diverse Groups

Transgender individuals face distinctive stressors that bear on their emotional health and social competence. They typically experience depression on a psychological level as a result of persistent misgendering and disaffirmation in their immediate surroundings. Anxiety is another major issue caused by fear of rejection or violence when expressing their gender identity: Psychosocial Theory and Diverse Groups.

Socially, they likely face some peer rejection, given that their classmates or their communities do not accept many transgender youth. Bullying and the resulting victimization for their gender identity further set them apart and make for unhealthy people skills and not having normal social skills and experiences (Cardona et al., 2023). Regrettably, youth are especially vulnerable to peer rejection, bullying, and victimization based on their gender identity.

A psychosocial intervention that focuses on peer rejection in transgender youth is the introduction of gender-affirming support groups in schools and community centers. These communities provide safe havens for transgender youth to meet with friends experiencing the same issues, helping to combat feelings of isolation. The groups, led by mental health professionals, encourage self-expression, raise self-esteem, and offer ways to cope with rejection.

This intervention also teaches participants coping and emotion regulation skills. By promoting social support and inclusivity, the groups contribute to a reduction of the negative impact of peer rejection and the likelihood that it will impact positively on the psychological and social outcomes of transgender adolescents.

One advantage of using a psychosocial framework for social work practice with transgender young people is that it brings a focus on the interplay between the individual psychological development and social environment. This approach also considers how external pressures, including peer rejection and bullying, impact internal outcomes, such as depression and anxiety. It enables social workers to shape interventions to meet emotional and environmental demands.

Building on social learning theory, social workers can model and encourage adaptive coping strategies and social skills (Franklin & Jordan, 2024). This combination of attention develops strength and encourages better identity development.

References

Cardona, N. D., Nauphal, M., Pariseau, E. M., Clapham, R., Edwards-Leeper, L., & Tishelman, A. C. (2023). Social supports, social stressors, and psychosocial functioning in a sample of transgender youth seeking gender-affirming clinical services. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. https://research.ebsco.com/c/riljaj/viewer/html/zuxmb6usmj

Franklin, C., & Jordan, C. (2024). Turner’s social work treatment (7th ed.). Oxford University Press Academic US. https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9780197678046

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*To Prepare

• Select one of these three groups: (1) an immigrant individual from a racial or ethnic minority group; (2) a gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT+) individual; or (3) an individual with a disability.
• Review the Walden University Library resources listed in the Learning Resources.
• Then conduct a library search for an empirical study (i.e., one based on observed phenomena using the scientific method) focused on one of the groups, above, and the unique psychosocial factors or issues a social worker should be aware of when working with that group.

QUESTION
Post a response to the following:

• Post the APA-style reference for the article you found in the library.
• Describe four specific psychosocial factors that should be taken into account in order to understand the psychosocial context when working with the group you selected. Be sure to follow these requirements:
  • *Two factors you describe should be psychologically related
  • *Two factors you describe should be socially related
• Identify and explain how you would apply a psychosocial intervention that addresses one of the four specific psychosocial factors you described above.
• Identify one advantage of using a psychosocial framework in social work practice with the group you chose.