"Across Gender": A narrative medicine-based support group for transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) persons

Transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) persons experience a variety of health and psychosocial disparities, necessitating a need for unique, evidence-based interventions to facilitate occupational engagement and ensure occupational justice. In particular, TGNC individuals report experiencing social isolation. The purpose of this project was two-fold: (1) to demonstrate effective leadership and advocacy throughout the organization and implementation of a narrative medicine-based supportive group in order to (2) provide opportunities for social participation among individuals of similar culture, as well as to increase social perception, empathy, and companionship. The supportive group was held weekly for TGNC-identified individuals who were either patients of the Transgender Health and Wellness Program or members of the community. A brief survey that measured improvements in social participation, developed by the Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE) student, was administered at the succession of each group. Average survey scores, with 15 being the highest possible score, ranged from 12.5 to 15. Anecdotal support was further evidence of the success of support groups in facilitating engagement in social participation and creating new routines. Overall, this particular DCE elucidated the importance of social participation among TGNC persons, as well as the effectiveness of advocating for occupational therapy's role in an emerging niche.

Creator

• DeRolf, Annie L.

Contributors

• Wasmuth, Sally

Publisher

• University of Indianapolis

Language

• en

Identifier

• DeRolf.Annie.pdf

Keyword

• Occupational Therapy
• Health Sciences

Date created

• 2018-05

Rights statement

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/