How Partners Can Back Up Trans and Nonbinary Loved Ones
Partners play a huge role in the lives of trans and nonbinary (TNB) people. They offer support and understanding that can make a big difference. But how can we measure this support? A recent study set out to create a tool to do just that.
The Study's Approach
The study started with a big question: What exactly does supportive behavior look like in romantic relationships?
To find out, researchers:
- Talked to TNB young adults
- Created a list of supportive actions
- Tested the list with a larger group of TNB people
The goal was to identify different types of support. The study found five key areas:
- Helping with identity exploration
- Validating identity
- Celebrating identity
- Being an ally
- Understanding
These areas were used to create a scale called the Transgender/Nonbinary Identity Support from Partners Scale (TISPS).
Testing the TISPS
The TISPS was tested again with a different group of TNB young adults. This time, the focus was on how reliable and valid the scale was. The results showed that the TISPS is a solid tool. It can measure:
- Overall support
- The five subtypes
Why Does This Matter?
Understanding support in relationships can help improve mental health. The TISPS can be used in:
- Therapy
- Community work
- Future research on how social support affects TNB mental health.
Limitations
However, it's important to note that this study focused on young adults. More research is needed to see if the findings apply to all TNB people.