The Role of Spirituality in Sexual Minority Identity
A. Jordan Wright and Suzanne Stern
Empire State College, State University of New York
Spirituality has been widely associated with positive well-being within the general population. Although
there is limited research on the impact of spirituality on sexual minority individuals, some evidence
suggests it is associated with positive psychological outcomes and contributes to the development of a
positive lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) identity. The present study aimed to elucidate the relationship
between spirituality, gender normative beliefs, and LGB identity development. It was hypothesized that
spirituality would be negatively associated with both heteronormative beliefs and attitudes and negative
sexual minority identity, and that heteronormativity would mediate the relationship between spirituality
and negative identity. Contrary to expectations, spirituality predicted greater heteronormativity and
greater negative identity. The association between spirituality and negative identity was fully mediated
by heteronormativity. Limitations and implications are discussed.
Keywords: homosexuality, bisexuality, spirituality, heteronormativity, gay identity
Within the general public, spirituality has been reliably con-
nected to numerous positive outcomes (Garfield, Isacco, & Sahker,
2013; Paranjape & Kaslow, 2010; Thoresen, 1999). It has been
found to promote resiliency and self-esteem (Haight, 1998; Kash-
dan & Nezlek, 2012), and predicts a greater ability to adapt and
cope with stressful situations (Gnanaprakash, 2013; Salas-Wright,
Olate, & Vaughn, 2013), including illness (Lo et al., 2010; Nelson
et al., 2009; Pagnini et al., 2011; Visser, Garssen, & Vingerhoets,
2010), exposure to violence (Benavides, 2012; Schneider & Feltey,
2009; E. A. Walker, 2000), psychological aggression (Austin &
Falconier, 2013), and substance abuse (Turner-Musa & Lipscomb,
2007). Further, spirituality is associated with personality traits that
are health-protective (Labbé & Fobes, 2010); it is also significantly
protective against adverse mental health outcomes, such as depres-
sion and anxiety (Bennett & Shepherd, 2013; Hourani et al., 2012;
Hsiao et al., 2012; Sorajjakool, Aja, Chilson, Ramirez-Johnson, &
Earll, 2008), and suicidal ideation (Henley, 2014; Kyle, 2013;
Meadows, Kaslow, Thompson, & Jurkovic, 2005).
While the research on the impact of spirituality on sexual
minorities is more limited, there is evidence that spiritual well-
being functions as a protective factor and a predictor of adjust-
ment. Greater spirituality has been associated with positive out-
comes such as increased self-esteem and identity affirmation,
lower internalized homophobia, and fewer feelings of alienation
(Lease, Horne, & Noffsinger-Frazier, 2005; Moleiro, Pinto, &
Freire, 2013; Tan, 2005), and with greater positive affect and
satisfaction with life (Harari, Glenwick, & Cecero, 2014). How-
ever, awareness within this popu.
Agency And Communion Attributes In Adults Spontaneous Self-RepresentationsAudrey Britton
This study investigated how adults described themselves in terms of agency (assertiveness, independence) and communion (relationships, cooperation) attributes. It found that younger adults included more agency attributes, while older adults included more communion. Men listed more agency attributes and women more communion. Agency attributes correlated with personality traits, while communion correlated with well-being. Differences emerged between age groups and sexes in how important agency and communion were in self-portraits.
This document discusses the factors a young lesbian woman may face in coming out, including 5 stages of coming out (pre-coming out, coming out, role confusion, exploration, and the first relationship). It also addresses coming out to family (as a daughter and sister), children (as a parent), at work, and issues with religion/spirituality. Additionally, it examines femme vs butch identities and notes gaps in research about cultural differences, abuse/neglect, and coming out at different life stages.
The document discusses subjective well-being and the factors that influence interpersonal aspects of well-being. It defines subjective well-being as a person's cognitive and affective evaluations of their life. It then discusses several factors that influence interpersonal well-being, including positive response, expression of gratitude, self-disclosure, sharing experiences, and attachment style between an individual and caregiver. Finally, it notes that secure attachment styles tend to have more positive effects on relationships than insecure styles.
Article
Social Identity Reduces Depression by
Fostering Positive Attributions
Tegan Cruwys1, Erica I. South1, Katharine H. Greenaway1,
and S. Alexander Haslam1
Abstract
Social identities are generally associated with better health and in particular lower levels of depression. However, there has been
limited investigation of why social identities protect against depression. The current research suggests that social identities reduce
depression in part because they attenuate the depressive attribution style (internal, stable, and global; e.g., ‘‘I failed because I’m
stupid’’). These relationships are first investigated in a survey (Study 1, N ¼ 139) and then followed up in an experiment that
manipulates social identity salience (Study 2, N ¼ 88). In both cases, people with stronger social identities were less likely to
attribute negative events to internal, stable, or global causes and subsequently reported lower levels of depression. These studies
thus indicate that social identities can protect and enhance mental health by facilitating positive interpretations of stress and
failure. Implications for clinical theory and practice are discussed.
Keywords
depression, social identity, multiple group membership, attribution, failure, mental health
We cannot live only for ourselves.
A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.
—Herman Melville, Moby Dick
Humans have an innate need for social connections that are vital for
health and happiness in life (Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Cohen &
Wills, 1985). When this need is not met—when the ‘‘thousand
fibers’’ in Melville’s (1851) quote are reduced to a few or
none—people are at risk of reduced well-being and even mental ill-
ness. In fact, depression—the leading cause of disability worldwide
(World Health Organization, 2012)—commonly arises when a per-
son lacks social connections (Cacioppo, Hawkley, & Thisted,
2010; Cacioppo, Hughes, Waite, Hawkley, & Thisted, 2006).
Although extensive prior work has documented the fact that
social connectedness and social identities are critical to mental
health and reduced rates of depression, it remains unclear why
this is the case (Cruwys, Haslam, Dingle, Haslam, & Jetten,
2014; Jetten, Haslam, Haslam, Dingle, & Jones, 2014). We
address this research gap in the present work. What exactly do
social identities do, psychologically, that makes them so protec-
tive for mental health? In answering this question, we propose a
novel mechanism through which social identities can protect peo-
ple against depression, that is, reduced depressive attributions.
Social Identity and Depression
A growing body of literature demonstrates that social identities
are a key psychological resource that is protective for health
generally (Haslam, Jetten, Postmes, & Haslam, 2009; Jetten,
Haslam, & Haslam, 2012) and against depression in particular
(Cruwys et al., 2013; Cruwys, Haslam, Dingle, Haslam, et al,
2014; Cruwys, Haslam, Dingle, Jetten, et al., 2.
Religion on Psychological Well-Being and Self-Efficacy among Secondary School...IJSRP Journal
In recent years, psychological well-being has been critical element in a students’ life. This study has investigated the effect of religious faith on psychological well-being and self-efficacy among secondary school students in Kulim district of Kedah. Quantitative approaches of survey design were used for this study. A number of ninety four secondary school students comprised from form four, and form five were selected using purposive sampling methods as studied subjects. The modified version of Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire (SCSRFQ), Psychological Well Being Inventory (The Ryff Scale) and Self-efficacy for Self-regulated Learning Scale were administered in this study. The finding of linear regression indicated that religious faith is a significant predictor of psychological well-being and self-efficacy among secondary school students in Kulim district of Kedah. The finding also revealed that psychological well-being is a significant predictor of self-efficacy among secondary school students in Kulim district of Kedah. As a conclusion, study disclosed that psychological well-being intensely related to an individual religious faith and proven to lead positive attitude among students in realize their own capability.
This research article investigates how young sexual minority women's (YSMW) perceptions of fit with lesbian community norms relate to their experiences of depression and anxiety. The study surveyed 504 YSMWs aged 18-35 on their identification with the lesbian community and how their own characteristics compared to standards of who they ideally want to be and ought to be, as well as lesbian community standards. Results found that discrepancies from both self and community ideal standards predicted higher depression, while discrepancies from both self and community ought standards related to greater anxiety. Identification with the lesbian community moderated these relationships, such that discrepancies were more strongly linked to negative affect for YSMWs with stronger community identification. The findings suggest strict lesbian community norms may
RELIGION, RELIGIOSITY AND SPIRITUALITY IN THE BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL MODEL OF HEALTH...Masa Nakata
This document summarizes research on the relationship between religiosity, spirituality, and health outcomes in older adults. It finds that religiosity and religious coping increase with age, and are linked to better mental health outcomes like well-being and lower depression. Studies also associate religiosity with better physical health and lower mortality. However, the exact nature of the relationship is complex, with open questions around causality and possible psychological or social factors that may mediate the effects.
Agency And Communion Attributes In Adults Spontaneous Self-RepresentationsAudrey Britton
This study investigated how adults described themselves in terms of agency (assertiveness, independence) and communion (relationships, cooperation) attributes. It found that younger adults included more agency attributes, while older adults included more communion. Men listed more agency attributes and women more communion. Agency attributes correlated with personality traits, while communion correlated with well-being. Differences emerged between age groups and sexes in how important agency and communion were in self-portraits.
This document discusses the factors a young lesbian woman may face in coming out, including 5 stages of coming out (pre-coming out, coming out, role confusion, exploration, and the first relationship). It also addresses coming out to family (as a daughter and sister), children (as a parent), at work, and issues with religion/spirituality. Additionally, it examines femme vs butch identities and notes gaps in research about cultural differences, abuse/neglect, and coming out at different life stages.
The document discusses subjective well-being and the factors that influence interpersonal aspects of well-being. It defines subjective well-being as a person's cognitive and affective evaluations of their life. It then discusses several factors that influence interpersonal well-being, including positive response, expression of gratitude, self-disclosure, sharing experiences, and attachment style between an individual and caregiver. Finally, it notes that secure attachment styles tend to have more positive effects on relationships than insecure styles.
Article
Social Identity Reduces Depression by
Fostering Positive Attributions
Tegan Cruwys1, Erica I. South1, Katharine H. Greenaway1,
and S. Alexander Haslam1
Abstract
Social identities are generally associated with better health and in particular lower levels of depression. However, there has been
limited investigation of why social identities protect against depression. The current research suggests that social identities reduce
depression in part because they attenuate the depressive attribution style (internal, stable, and global; e.g., ‘‘I failed because I’m
stupid’’). These relationships are first investigated in a survey (Study 1, N ¼ 139) and then followed up in an experiment that
manipulates social identity salience (Study 2, N ¼ 88). In both cases, people with stronger social identities were less likely to
attribute negative events to internal, stable, or global causes and subsequently reported lower levels of depression. These studies
thus indicate that social identities can protect and enhance mental health by facilitating positive interpretations of stress and
failure. Implications for clinical theory and practice are discussed.
Keywords
depression, social identity, multiple group membership, attribution, failure, mental health
We cannot live only for ourselves.
A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.
—Herman Melville, Moby Dick
Humans have an innate need for social connections that are vital for
health and happiness in life (Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Cohen &
Wills, 1985). When this need is not met—when the ‘‘thousand
fibers’’ in Melville’s (1851) quote are reduced to a few or
none—people are at risk of reduced well-being and even mental ill-
ness. In fact, depression—the leading cause of disability worldwide
(World Health Organization, 2012)—commonly arises when a per-
son lacks social connections (Cacioppo, Hawkley, & Thisted,
2010; Cacioppo, Hughes, Waite, Hawkley, & Thisted, 2006).
Although extensive prior work has documented the fact that
social connectedness and social identities are critical to mental
health and reduced rates of depression, it remains unclear why
this is the case (Cruwys, Haslam, Dingle, Haslam, & Jetten,
2014; Jetten, Haslam, Haslam, Dingle, & Jones, 2014). We
address this research gap in the present work. What exactly do
social identities do, psychologically, that makes them so protec-
tive for mental health? In answering this question, we propose a
novel mechanism through which social identities can protect peo-
ple against depression, that is, reduced depressive attributions.
Social Identity and Depression
A growing body of literature demonstrates that social identities
are a key psychological resource that is protective for health
generally (Haslam, Jetten, Postmes, & Haslam, 2009; Jetten,
Haslam, & Haslam, 2012) and against depression in particular
(Cruwys et al., 2013; Cruwys, Haslam, Dingle, Haslam, et al,
2014; Cruwys, Haslam, Dingle, Jetten, et al., 2.
Religion on Psychological Well-Being and Self-Efficacy among Secondary School...IJSRP Journal
In recent years, psychological well-being has been critical element in a students’ life. This study has investigated the effect of religious faith on psychological well-being and self-efficacy among secondary school students in Kulim district of Kedah. Quantitative approaches of survey design were used for this study. A number of ninety four secondary school students comprised from form four, and form five were selected using purposive sampling methods as studied subjects. The modified version of Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire (SCSRFQ), Psychological Well Being Inventory (The Ryff Scale) and Self-efficacy for Self-regulated Learning Scale were administered in this study. The finding of linear regression indicated that religious faith is a significant predictor of psychological well-being and self-efficacy among secondary school students in Kulim district of Kedah. The finding also revealed that psychological well-being is a significant predictor of self-efficacy among secondary school students in Kulim district of Kedah. As a conclusion, study disclosed that psychological well-being intensely related to an individual religious faith and proven to lead positive attitude among students in realize their own capability.
This research article investigates how young sexual minority women's (YSMW) perceptions of fit with lesbian community norms relate to their experiences of depression and anxiety. The study surveyed 504 YSMWs aged 18-35 on their identification with the lesbian community and how their own characteristics compared to standards of who they ideally want to be and ought to be, as well as lesbian community standards. Results found that discrepancies from both self and community ideal standards predicted higher depression, while discrepancies from both self and community ought standards related to greater anxiety. Identification with the lesbian community moderated these relationships, such that discrepancies were more strongly linked to negative affect for YSMWs with stronger community identification. The findings suggest strict lesbian community norms may
RELIGION, RELIGIOSITY AND SPIRITUALITY IN THE BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL MODEL OF HEALTH...Masa Nakata
This document summarizes research on the relationship between religiosity, spirituality, and health outcomes in older adults. It finds that religiosity and religious coping increase with age, and are linked to better mental health outcomes like well-being and lower depression. Studies also associate religiosity with better physical health and lower mortality. However, the exact nature of the relationship is complex, with open questions around causality and possible psychological or social factors that may mediate the effects.
Attitudes toward suicide may influence the
treatment content and outcomes. Hence, this study aimed to
investigate how public attitudes toward suicide were influenced
by (1) their degree of idealism; and (2) their degree of
relativism. A questionnaire survey with Suicide Perception
Scale and Ethic Position Questionnaire was carried out on 50
male and 50 female participants (aged 21 and above) from
Klang Valley, Malaysia to obtain answer. The findings
supported both hypotheses, indicated that (1) higher idealism is
associated with lower level of acceptance toward suicide; and
(2) higher relativism is associated with higher level of
acceptance toward suicide. In sum, variations in public’s
attitude toward suicide were related to individual differences in
personal ethical ideologies and moral philosophies.
Ethnic Identity as predictor for the well-being: An exploratory transcultural...Andrzej Pankalla
De Oliveira, D., Pankalla, A., Cabeccinhas, R. (2012). Ethnic Identity as predictor for the well-being: An exploratory transcultural study in Brazil and Europe. Summa Psicologica, vol. 9/9, 33-12 (ISSN 0718-0446).
Identidad étnica como predictor del bienestar: Estudio exploratorio transcult...Andrzej Pankalla
This document summarizes research on the relationship between ethnic identity and well-being. It discusses studies showing ethnic identity is positively associated with well-being and quality of life. The research examined these relationships in college students from Brazil, Portugal, and Poland. The results showed Brazilian students showed the strongest relationships between ethnic identity and well-being, while European students showed ethnic identity was associated with better quality of life and less ill-being. The document also discusses how ethnic identity may act as a buffer against stress and how it is related to improved positive affect and psychological adjustment.
Spiritual Well-Being and Parenting Stress in Caring for Children with Neuro-D...inventionjournals
Caregivers of children’s with neuro-developmental disorders face challenges starting from resistance and denial, and such challenges may be likely to impact their Well-being. The present study explores the relations between spiritual well-being and parenting stress when parents faced with a crisis like caring for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. A convenient sample of 38 parents who reared 3 to 12-year-old children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental issues was part of the study. Parental Stress Index -Short Form (PSI/SF; Abidin, 1995) and the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS; Ellison & Paloutzian, 2009) were used to obtain a measure of the variables chosen. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to find out the significance of relations between spiritual well-being and parenting stress. Also, thesignificance of themean difference between the gender groups in relation tospiritual well-being and parenting stress was analysed using Independent Sample‘t’ test. Findings reveal a significant negative correlation between spiritual wellbeing and parenting stress, and it also shows that there is no gender difference in relation to parenting stress and spiritual well-being among parents. The findings indicate that spiritual wellbeing might act as a buffer of parental stress and can play the role of a protective factor against parenting stress for life challenges. It also shows that there might be no gender differences in parents’ experience of stress and spiritual wellbeing, but slight mean differences show a higher stress and spiritual wellbeing among mothers than fathers.
This document summarizes a study that examined the relationship between body image disturbance, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), and behavioral principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP). The study hypothesized that higher levels of body image disturbance would be correlated with greater experiential avoidance (as measured by ACT principles) and difficulties expressing emotions interpersonally (as measured by FAP principles). Results supported these hypotheses and also found that experiential avoidance and interpersonal expression difficulties predicted meeting criteria for BDD and severity of BDD symptoms. The study provides empirical support for integrating intrapersonal and interpersonal conceptualizations of body image issues.
The ethical use of Supervision to facilitate the Integra.docxcherry686017
The ethical use of
Supervision to facilitate
the Integration of Spirituality
in Social Work Practice
Jerry Jo M. Gilham
Although the use of spirituality and religiosity in social work intervention has
been growing over the past few decades, little information is available regard-
ing the supervisor’s contribution to this process. This article outlines some of
the difficulties inherent in the process and recommends twelve tasks required
of supervisors in facilitating the effective integration of spirituality in social
work practice. It also explores how each of these tasks relates to social work
values, ethics, and principles. Finally, it identifies policy implications related
to this process.
S
ince the 1980s, the social work profession has experienced a
renewed interest in spirituality and religion (Canda & Furman, 1999).
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics
mandates that social workers obtain education about and seek to understand
the nature of diversity and oppression with respect to religion (NASW,
2008). Current Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) standards re-
quire schools of social work to demonstrate their commitment to diversity
throughout their curriculum. Furthermore, graduates must demonstrate
competence in engaging diversity and difference in practice (CSWE, 2008).
While numerous definitions are offered for spirituality, religion, and
faith, no universally accepted definitions exist, and the terms are often
used interchangeably. Holloway and Moss (2010), as well as Spencer
(1961), one of the earliest social workers to offer a definition of spiritual-
ity, explain that spirituality is a broad concept that can include religion,
but also has a secular appeal. Canda (1997) offers the following definition,
Social Work & Christianity, Vol. 39, No. 3 (2012), 255–272
Journal of the North American Association of Christians in Social Work
ARTICLeS
SOCIAL WORK & CHRISTIANITY256
which embraces these ideas. He defines spirituality as a search for purpose,
meaning, and connection between oneself, other people, the universe and
the ultimate reality, which can be experienced within either a religious or
a nonreligious framework. A religious person, according to Hugen (2001,
p. 13), is one who belongs to or identifies with a religious group; accepts
and is committed to the beliefs, values, and doctrines of the group; and
participates in the required practices, ceremonies, and rituals of the chosen
group. Various social work authors, including Derezotes (2006), Canda
and Furman (2010), and Holloway and Moss (2010) have discussed the
ritualistic as well as the social aspects of religion. Faith, according to Fowler
(1981), must be understood in order to comprehend a person’s relationship
with the transcendent. He identifies three components of faith, including
centers of value, images of power, and master stories. Spirituality serves
as a more encompassing term (Rose ...
Spiritual Transformation in Claimant Mediums / PA Presentation June 2016William Everist, PHD
This document discusses spiritually transformative experiences (STEs) and claimant mediums. It provides definitions of STEs, claimant mediums, and discarnate beings. The purpose and methodology of the study is to understand the initial and subsequent experiences of novice mediums and how they relate to spiritual transformation. The results found the STE of claimant mediums is a developmental process, with encounters with spiritual entities that may be considered guides. Acceptance of these experiences depended on social support systems and spiritual perspectives. Pursuing mediumship as a career depended on adjusting to initial experiences and available support.
This study examined whether emotional vulnerability leads women and men to confirm gender stereotypes. Fifty-nine couples were randomly assigned to discuss topics that did or did not induce feelings of vulnerability. When vulnerability was high, men's behaviors aligned more with traditional masculine stereotypes. Women's behaviors were not significantly affected. The findings provide support for social role theory, which proposes that people are more likely to behave in gender-stereotypical ways when performing social roles associated with their gender.
BRIEF REPORTSocial Support and Relationship Satisfaction i.docxjasoninnes20
BRIEF REPORT
Social Support and Relationship Satisfaction in Bipolar Disorder
Grace B. Boyers and Lorelei Simpson Rowe
Southern Methodist University
Social support is positively associated with individual well-being, particularly if an intimate partner provides
that support. However, despite evidence that individuals with bipolar disorder (BPD) are at high risk for
relationship discord and are especially vulnerable to low or inadequate social support, little research has
explored the relationship between social support and relationship quality among couples in which a partner has
BPD. The current study addresses this gap in the literature by examining the association between social
support and relationship satisfaction in a weekly diary study. Thirty-eight opposite-sex couples who were
married or living together for at least one year and in which one partner met diagnostic criteria for BPD
completed up to 26 weekly diaries measuring social support and relationship satisfaction, as well as psychiatric
symptoms. Results revealed that greater social support on average was associated with higher average
relationship satisfaction for individuals with BPD and their partners, and that more support than usual in any
given week was associated with higher relationship satisfaction that week. The converse was also true, with
greater-than-average relationship satisfaction and more satisfaction than usual associated with greater social
support. The results emphasize the week-to-week variability of social support and relationship satisfaction and
the probable reciprocal relationship between support and satisfaction among couples in which a partner has
BPD. Thus, social support may be important for maintaining relationship satisfaction and vice versa, even after
controlling for concurrent mood symptoms.
Keywords: bipolar disorder, marriage, social support, longitudinal, relationship satisfaction
Bipolar disorder (BPD) is a severe and chronic illness charac-
terized by extreme mood shifts (American Psychiatric Association,
2000) and impairment in occupational and social functioning, even
between affective episodes (Fagiolini et al., 2005; Judd & Akiskal,
2003). Individuals with BPD are less likely to marry or live with
a romantic partner, and those who do are at higher risk for
relationship distress and dissolution compared to individuals with
other psychiatric disorders and those without mental illness (Co-
ryell et al., 1993; Judd & Akiskal, 2003; Whisman, 2007). Rela-
tionship dysfunction has been attributed to a number of factors,
including patient mood symptoms (e.g., Lam, Donaldson, Brown,
& Malliaris, 2005), caregiver burden (Reinares et al., 2006), and
deficits in psychosocial functioning (Coryell et al., 1993). Partners
of individuals with BPD are also at risk for social, occupational,
and financial distress, and symptoms of depression and anxiety
(Lam et al., 2005). The high risk for individual and couple distress
has led to calls to investig ...
This document provides information on creating inclusive practices for transgender and gender nonconforming clients. It begins by noting the lack of research and literature on serving TGNC individuals, couples and families in marriage and family therapy. It emphasizes using accurate terminology, addressing personal biases, and making the therapy space safe and respectful for all genders. The document recommends understanding gender as a continuum rather than a binary, being mindful of language, and normalizing gender diversity and exploration.
Cognitive Development 21 (2006) 420–440Heterosexual adoles.docxmary772
This study investigated heterosexual adolescents' and young adults' beliefs and attitudes about homosexuality using multiple measures to assess different dimensions of sexual prejudice. The study found that middle adolescents (ages 14-16) were more likely than older adolescents (ages 16-18) and young adults (ages 19-26) to exhibit prejudice related to social interactions with gay and lesbian peers. However, no age-related differences were found in beliefs about whether homosexuality was right or wrong. These findings provide evidence that aspects of sexual prejudice may develop differently depending on the context and measure used.
The document discusses how being a sexual minority influences support and well-being. It finds that lack of support from social groups negatively impacts identity disclosure and mental health, while positive support reduces issues like substance abuse and suicide risk. Being a sexual minority affects facets of well-being like self-esteem but not sexual well-being. It concludes by calling for more research on transgender identities and relationships.
2009 the role of psychological flexibility in mental health stigma and psycho...dfperezr
This document summarizes a research study that investigated the relationship between mental health stigma, psychological distress, and psychological flexibility. The study found that individuals who endorsed more stigmatizing attitudes toward people with psychological disorders also reported greater psychological distress. Additionally, psychological flexibility was found to be a shared factor between higher levels of mental health stigma and psychological distress. Exploring psychological flexibility may help explain the link between stigmatizing others and one's own psychological well-being.
This document summarizes a research study that investigated pro-social behavior across different age groups and genders in Pakistan. The study found no significant differences in pro-social behavior between younger and older participants or between males and females. The document suggests that widespread social, economic, and political ambiguities in recent decades have increased stress and insecurity in society, reducing individuals' willingness to engage in pro-social acts. It recommends community interventions, strengthening family relationships, and cultural changes to promote pro-social values in order to increase helping behavior.
Dyadic Coping and Attachment Dimensions in Young Adult Romantic RelationshipsAJHSSR Journal
ABSTRACT: Dyadic coping conceives coping as a response in which partners support each other
and cope with stress as a couple rather than individuals, but little is known of the factors that lead to
dyadic coping. The present study aims to explore the relationship between dyadic coping and adult
attachment. That is, to examine whether an individual’s attachment style is a predictor of their own
dyadic coping style and their partner’s dyadic coping style. Online, survey data was collected from 74
childless couples, between the ages of 18 and 31, who had been in their relationships for over 6
months. Overall, analysis showed stronger associations between dyadic coping and attachment for
females, with minimal associations for males. The results of the present study are supportive of the
existing literature, though provide opportunities for further research.
KEYWORDS: dyadic coping, coping, attachment, romantic relationships, APIM
This document discusses conceptual clarity around the social concepts of belongingness and loneliness and their importance for health research. It proposes that belongingness be explored qualitatively to better understand its facets and role in health and well-being. Clarifying these concepts will help identify intervention points for aging populations and develop measures of belongingness to quantify its health outcomes impact. The research aims to build on previous work clarifying loneliness through phenomenological interviews with diverse participants.
The document summarizes research on the relationship between attachment styles and the Big Five personality traits. It discusses how attachment styles develop from infant relationships with caregivers and shape views of self and others. Personality traits are relatively stable characteristics that distinguish individuals. The study examined correlations between attachment anxiety/avoidance dimensions and the Big Five traits of Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and Openness using surveys of 100 college students. Results revealed some personality traits like Neuroticism were strongly correlated with certain attachment styles while others showed weaker or no correlations.
This document outlines a study on attachment and religious coping among South Asian Indian Christians. It begins with an overview of India's demographics, religions, and culture. It then discusses attachment theory and research showing links between attachment and well-being. The study aims to examine relationships between parental attachment, attachment to God, and religious coping in Indian Christians, as culture may impact how attachment develops. Hypotheses predict relationships between secure parental attachment and secure attachment to God, as well as links between attachment and religious coping strategies. The planned method involves surveying 300 Indian Christians online to assess their attachments, religious coping, and response bias.
The response form teacherHi Talal,I think your discussion of pa.docxkathleen23456789
The teacher provides feedback on a student's discussion of painting and figuration, recommending that the student refer to texts by Deleuze on painting and sensation as well as a text by Jencks on collage in postmodern architecture. The teacher asks the student to differentiate between Jencks' definition of collage and their reference to "iconic", identify techniques used in specific projects, and compare how contemporary architectural legibility differs from discussions of postmodern iconicity and collage in Jencks. The teacher suggests reviewing all readings on figuration and speculating on contemporary cultural aspects prompting shifts in architectural legibility.
The response form teacher Hi Talal, I think your discussio.docxkathleen23456789
The response form teacher:
Hi Talal,
I think your discussion of painting in relation to figuration relates to some of the issues raised in Gilles
Deleuze's texts "Painting and Sensation," and "The Diagram" (in the readings for week 9). You should
also definitely refer to the attached text by Charles Jencks as a primary source for how collage was
defined in the context of Postmodern architecture. It would be useful to differentiate between collage as
defined by Jencks and what you refer to as 'iconic'. You should identify specific techniques that are used
in several projects in order to facilitate legibility. How does this contemporary form of architectural
legibility differ from discussions of Postmodern iconicity and collage (Jencks)? It would be good to
review all the readings in the Figuration topic in order to present your position in that context. It would
also be useful to speculate on what aspects of our contemporary cultural moment have prompted this
shift in forms of legibility in architecture. I look forward to seeing the essay develop.
Best, Marcelyn
.
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Attitudes toward suicide may influence the
treatment content and outcomes. Hence, this study aimed to
investigate how public attitudes toward suicide were influenced
by (1) their degree of idealism; and (2) their degree of
relativism. A questionnaire survey with Suicide Perception
Scale and Ethic Position Questionnaire was carried out on 50
male and 50 female participants (aged 21 and above) from
Klang Valley, Malaysia to obtain answer. The findings
supported both hypotheses, indicated that (1) higher idealism is
associated with lower level of acceptance toward suicide; and
(2) higher relativism is associated with higher level of
acceptance toward suicide. In sum, variations in public’s
attitude toward suicide were related to individual differences in
personal ethical ideologies and moral philosophies.
Ethnic Identity as predictor for the well-being: An exploratory transcultural...Andrzej Pankalla
De Oliveira, D., Pankalla, A., Cabeccinhas, R. (2012). Ethnic Identity as predictor for the well-being: An exploratory transcultural study in Brazil and Europe. Summa Psicologica, vol. 9/9, 33-12 (ISSN 0718-0446).
Identidad étnica como predictor del bienestar: Estudio exploratorio transcult...Andrzej Pankalla
This document summarizes research on the relationship between ethnic identity and well-being. It discusses studies showing ethnic identity is positively associated with well-being and quality of life. The research examined these relationships in college students from Brazil, Portugal, and Poland. The results showed Brazilian students showed the strongest relationships between ethnic identity and well-being, while European students showed ethnic identity was associated with better quality of life and less ill-being. The document also discusses how ethnic identity may act as a buffer against stress and how it is related to improved positive affect and psychological adjustment.
Spiritual Well-Being and Parenting Stress in Caring for Children with Neuro-D...inventionjournals
Caregivers of children’s with neuro-developmental disorders face challenges starting from resistance and denial, and such challenges may be likely to impact their Well-being. The present study explores the relations between spiritual well-being and parenting stress when parents faced with a crisis like caring for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. A convenient sample of 38 parents who reared 3 to 12-year-old children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental issues was part of the study. Parental Stress Index -Short Form (PSI/SF; Abidin, 1995) and the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS; Ellison & Paloutzian, 2009) were used to obtain a measure of the variables chosen. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to find out the significance of relations between spiritual well-being and parenting stress. Also, thesignificance of themean difference between the gender groups in relation tospiritual well-being and parenting stress was analysed using Independent Sample‘t’ test. Findings reveal a significant negative correlation between spiritual wellbeing and parenting stress, and it also shows that there is no gender difference in relation to parenting stress and spiritual well-being among parents. The findings indicate that spiritual wellbeing might act as a buffer of parental stress and can play the role of a protective factor against parenting stress for life challenges. It also shows that there might be no gender differences in parents’ experience of stress and spiritual wellbeing, but slight mean differences show a higher stress and spiritual wellbeing among mothers than fathers.
This document summarizes a study that examined the relationship between body image disturbance, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), and behavioral principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP). The study hypothesized that higher levels of body image disturbance would be correlated with greater experiential avoidance (as measured by ACT principles) and difficulties expressing emotions interpersonally (as measured by FAP principles). Results supported these hypotheses and also found that experiential avoidance and interpersonal expression difficulties predicted meeting criteria for BDD and severity of BDD symptoms. The study provides empirical support for integrating intrapersonal and interpersonal conceptualizations of body image issues.
The ethical use of Supervision to facilitate the Integra.docxcherry686017
The ethical use of
Supervision to facilitate
the Integration of Spirituality
in Social Work Practice
Jerry Jo M. Gilham
Although the use of spirituality and religiosity in social work intervention has
been growing over the past few decades, little information is available regard-
ing the supervisor’s contribution to this process. This article outlines some of
the difficulties inherent in the process and recommends twelve tasks required
of supervisors in facilitating the effective integration of spirituality in social
work practice. It also explores how each of these tasks relates to social work
values, ethics, and principles. Finally, it identifies policy implications related
to this process.
S
ince the 1980s, the social work profession has experienced a
renewed interest in spirituality and religion (Canda & Furman, 1999).
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics
mandates that social workers obtain education about and seek to understand
the nature of diversity and oppression with respect to religion (NASW,
2008). Current Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) standards re-
quire schools of social work to demonstrate their commitment to diversity
throughout their curriculum. Furthermore, graduates must demonstrate
competence in engaging diversity and difference in practice (CSWE, 2008).
While numerous definitions are offered for spirituality, religion, and
faith, no universally accepted definitions exist, and the terms are often
used interchangeably. Holloway and Moss (2010), as well as Spencer
(1961), one of the earliest social workers to offer a definition of spiritual-
ity, explain that spirituality is a broad concept that can include religion,
but also has a secular appeal. Canda (1997) offers the following definition,
Social Work & Christianity, Vol. 39, No. 3 (2012), 255–272
Journal of the North American Association of Christians in Social Work
ARTICLeS
SOCIAL WORK & CHRISTIANITY256
which embraces these ideas. He defines spirituality as a search for purpose,
meaning, and connection between oneself, other people, the universe and
the ultimate reality, which can be experienced within either a religious or
a nonreligious framework. A religious person, according to Hugen (2001,
p. 13), is one who belongs to or identifies with a religious group; accepts
and is committed to the beliefs, values, and doctrines of the group; and
participates in the required practices, ceremonies, and rituals of the chosen
group. Various social work authors, including Derezotes (2006), Canda
and Furman (2010), and Holloway and Moss (2010) have discussed the
ritualistic as well as the social aspects of religion. Faith, according to Fowler
(1981), must be understood in order to comprehend a person’s relationship
with the transcendent. He identifies three components of faith, including
centers of value, images of power, and master stories. Spirituality serves
as a more encompassing term (Rose ...
Spiritual Transformation in Claimant Mediums / PA Presentation June 2016William Everist, PHD
This document discusses spiritually transformative experiences (STEs) and claimant mediums. It provides definitions of STEs, claimant mediums, and discarnate beings. The purpose and methodology of the study is to understand the initial and subsequent experiences of novice mediums and how they relate to spiritual transformation. The results found the STE of claimant mediums is a developmental process, with encounters with spiritual entities that may be considered guides. Acceptance of these experiences depended on social support systems and spiritual perspectives. Pursuing mediumship as a career depended on adjusting to initial experiences and available support.
This study examined whether emotional vulnerability leads women and men to confirm gender stereotypes. Fifty-nine couples were randomly assigned to discuss topics that did or did not induce feelings of vulnerability. When vulnerability was high, men's behaviors aligned more with traditional masculine stereotypes. Women's behaviors were not significantly affected. The findings provide support for social role theory, which proposes that people are more likely to behave in gender-stereotypical ways when performing social roles associated with their gender.
BRIEF REPORTSocial Support and Relationship Satisfaction i.docxjasoninnes20
BRIEF REPORT
Social Support and Relationship Satisfaction in Bipolar Disorder
Grace B. Boyers and Lorelei Simpson Rowe
Southern Methodist University
Social support is positively associated with individual well-being, particularly if an intimate partner provides
that support. However, despite evidence that individuals with bipolar disorder (BPD) are at high risk for
relationship discord and are especially vulnerable to low or inadequate social support, little research has
explored the relationship between social support and relationship quality among couples in which a partner has
BPD. The current study addresses this gap in the literature by examining the association between social
support and relationship satisfaction in a weekly diary study. Thirty-eight opposite-sex couples who were
married or living together for at least one year and in which one partner met diagnostic criteria for BPD
completed up to 26 weekly diaries measuring social support and relationship satisfaction, as well as psychiatric
symptoms. Results revealed that greater social support on average was associated with higher average
relationship satisfaction for individuals with BPD and their partners, and that more support than usual in any
given week was associated with higher relationship satisfaction that week. The converse was also true, with
greater-than-average relationship satisfaction and more satisfaction than usual associated with greater social
support. The results emphasize the week-to-week variability of social support and relationship satisfaction and
the probable reciprocal relationship between support and satisfaction among couples in which a partner has
BPD. Thus, social support may be important for maintaining relationship satisfaction and vice versa, even after
controlling for concurrent mood symptoms.
Keywords: bipolar disorder, marriage, social support, longitudinal, relationship satisfaction
Bipolar disorder (BPD) is a severe and chronic illness charac-
terized by extreme mood shifts (American Psychiatric Association,
2000) and impairment in occupational and social functioning, even
between affective episodes (Fagiolini et al., 2005; Judd & Akiskal,
2003). Individuals with BPD are less likely to marry or live with
a romantic partner, and those who do are at higher risk for
relationship distress and dissolution compared to individuals with
other psychiatric disorders and those without mental illness (Co-
ryell et al., 1993; Judd & Akiskal, 2003; Whisman, 2007). Rela-
tionship dysfunction has been attributed to a number of factors,
including patient mood symptoms (e.g., Lam, Donaldson, Brown,
& Malliaris, 2005), caregiver burden (Reinares et al., 2006), and
deficits in psychosocial functioning (Coryell et al., 1993). Partners
of individuals with BPD are also at risk for social, occupational,
and financial distress, and symptoms of depression and anxiety
(Lam et al., 2005). The high risk for individual and couple distress
has led to calls to investig ...
This document provides information on creating inclusive practices for transgender and gender nonconforming clients. It begins by noting the lack of research and literature on serving TGNC individuals, couples and families in marriage and family therapy. It emphasizes using accurate terminology, addressing personal biases, and making the therapy space safe and respectful for all genders. The document recommends understanding gender as a continuum rather than a binary, being mindful of language, and normalizing gender diversity and exploration.
Cognitive Development 21 (2006) 420–440Heterosexual adoles.docxmary772
This study investigated heterosexual adolescents' and young adults' beliefs and attitudes about homosexuality using multiple measures to assess different dimensions of sexual prejudice. The study found that middle adolescents (ages 14-16) were more likely than older adolescents (ages 16-18) and young adults (ages 19-26) to exhibit prejudice related to social interactions with gay and lesbian peers. However, no age-related differences were found in beliefs about whether homosexuality was right or wrong. These findings provide evidence that aspects of sexual prejudice may develop differently depending on the context and measure used.
The document discusses how being a sexual minority influences support and well-being. It finds that lack of support from social groups negatively impacts identity disclosure and mental health, while positive support reduces issues like substance abuse and suicide risk. Being a sexual minority affects facets of well-being like self-esteem but not sexual well-being. It concludes by calling for more research on transgender identities and relationships.
2009 the role of psychological flexibility in mental health stigma and psycho...dfperezr
This document summarizes a research study that investigated the relationship between mental health stigma, psychological distress, and psychological flexibility. The study found that individuals who endorsed more stigmatizing attitudes toward people with psychological disorders also reported greater psychological distress. Additionally, psychological flexibility was found to be a shared factor between higher levels of mental health stigma and psychological distress. Exploring psychological flexibility may help explain the link between stigmatizing others and one's own psychological well-being.
This document summarizes a research study that investigated pro-social behavior across different age groups and genders in Pakistan. The study found no significant differences in pro-social behavior between younger and older participants or between males and females. The document suggests that widespread social, economic, and political ambiguities in recent decades have increased stress and insecurity in society, reducing individuals' willingness to engage in pro-social acts. It recommends community interventions, strengthening family relationships, and cultural changes to promote pro-social values in order to increase helping behavior.
Dyadic Coping and Attachment Dimensions in Young Adult Romantic RelationshipsAJHSSR Journal
ABSTRACT: Dyadic coping conceives coping as a response in which partners support each other
and cope with stress as a couple rather than individuals, but little is known of the factors that lead to
dyadic coping. The present study aims to explore the relationship between dyadic coping and adult
attachment. That is, to examine whether an individual’s attachment style is a predictor of their own
dyadic coping style and their partner’s dyadic coping style. Online, survey data was collected from 74
childless couples, between the ages of 18 and 31, who had been in their relationships for over 6
months. Overall, analysis showed stronger associations between dyadic coping and attachment for
females, with minimal associations for males. The results of the present study are supportive of the
existing literature, though provide opportunities for further research.
KEYWORDS: dyadic coping, coping, attachment, romantic relationships, APIM
This document discusses conceptual clarity around the social concepts of belongingness and loneliness and their importance for health research. It proposes that belongingness be explored qualitatively to better understand its facets and role in health and well-being. Clarifying these concepts will help identify intervention points for aging populations and develop measures of belongingness to quantify its health outcomes impact. The research aims to build on previous work clarifying loneliness through phenomenological interviews with diverse participants.
The document summarizes research on the relationship between attachment styles and the Big Five personality traits. It discusses how attachment styles develop from infant relationships with caregivers and shape views of self and others. Personality traits are relatively stable characteristics that distinguish individuals. The study examined correlations between attachment anxiety/avoidance dimensions and the Big Five traits of Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and Openness using surveys of 100 college students. Results revealed some personality traits like Neuroticism were strongly correlated with certain attachment styles while others showed weaker or no correlations.
This document outlines a study on attachment and religious coping among South Asian Indian Christians. It begins with an overview of India's demographics, religions, and culture. It then discusses attachment theory and research showing links between attachment and well-being. The study aims to examine relationships between parental attachment, attachment to God, and religious coping in Indian Christians, as culture may impact how attachment develops. Hypotheses predict relationships between secure parental attachment and secure attachment to God, as well as links between attachment and religious coping strategies. The planned method involves surveying 300 Indian Christians online to assess their attachments, religious coping, and response bias.
Similar to The Role of Spirituality in Sexual Minority IdentityA. Jor.docx (20)
The response form teacherHi Talal,I think your discussion of pa.docxkathleen23456789
The teacher provides feedback on a student's discussion of painting and figuration, recommending that the student refer to texts by Deleuze on painting and sensation as well as a text by Jencks on collage in postmodern architecture. The teacher asks the student to differentiate between Jencks' definition of collage and their reference to "iconic", identify techniques used in specific projects, and compare how contemporary architectural legibility differs from discussions of postmodern iconicity and collage in Jencks. The teacher suggests reviewing all readings on figuration and speculating on contemporary cultural aspects prompting shifts in architectural legibility.
The response form teacher Hi Talal, I think your discussio.docxkathleen23456789
The response form teacher:
Hi Talal,
I think your discussion of painting in relation to figuration relates to some of the issues raised in Gilles
Deleuze's texts "Painting and Sensation," and "The Diagram" (in the readings for week 9). You should
also definitely refer to the attached text by Charles Jencks as a primary source for how collage was
defined in the context of Postmodern architecture. It would be useful to differentiate between collage as
defined by Jencks and what you refer to as 'iconic'. You should identify specific techniques that are used
in several projects in order to facilitate legibility. How does this contemporary form of architectural
legibility differ from discussions of Postmodern iconicity and collage (Jencks)? It would be good to
review all the readings in the Figuration topic in order to present your position in that context. It would
also be useful to speculate on what aspects of our contemporary cultural moment have prompted this
shift in forms of legibility in architecture. I look forward to seeing the essay develop.
Best, Marcelyn
.
The resources needed to support operations and implement strategic i.docxkathleen23456789
The resources needed to support operations and implement strategic initiatives often surpass those available. What role does the board of directors (or executive leadership, if there is no board) play in establishing organizational priorities? How do you know how to prioritize the wants and needs of all departments? How can an organization tackle ambitious plans while ensuring that operations stay on track? PLEASE INCLUDE IN-TEXT CITATION AND REFERENCE
.
The research team met again to consider data sources. A research.docxkathleen23456789
The research team met again to consider data sources. A research consultant facilitated the discussion and identified issues to be addressed in order for the results to be credible. Three key areas needed further study before they went into the field. These areas included:
1. How is the program
positioned
in the community, particularly regarding trust, diversity, and access? (Or as one team member said, “How do we see ‘them’? And, how do we think they ‘see’ us?”)
This issue initiated an action plan for an organizational self-study to produce
reflexive
data before, during, and after field data collection.
2. What data sources would best answer the research questions?
Multiple sources
, including families who had used program services as well as those that did not; field observations (going out into neighborhoods to become acquainted with local, non-professional resources); and the materials collected from the self-study.
3. How many participants should be included in the sample?
The consultant clarified that the purpose of the sample was not to generalize to the target population—so bigger is not better. Rather, the team was encouraged to focus on selecting
typical cases
—homogenous, sub-groups—in order to efficiently
saturate
and develop a “solid understanding” (Guest, Bunce & Johnson, 2006, p. 77) of the phenomenon of the childcare experience in this community. The saturation goal means that the sample process is emergent and may change as the data become available.
As you can see in the ongoing scenario, before venturing out into the field, researchers must consider how they will manage credibility of the data. As a qualitative researcher, you too will have to address the sources of data as well as your credibility.
For this week, you will examine research questions, explore qualitative research design, and consider purposeful sampling and saturation as a qualitative researcher.
The answer lies in how clearly you articulate the criteria for selecting data sources; (b) your ability to purposefully select cases; and (c) the extent to which those cases are “information-rich… for in-depth study” (Patton, 2015, p. 264) with respect to the purpose of the study.
As you prepare for this week’s Discussion, consider turning your attention to the variety of purposeful sampling strategies you may consider in developing your research plan. Also consider that qualitative researchers seek a threshold or cut-off point for when to stop collecting data. There is no
magic number
(although there are guidelines). Rather, saturation occurs as an interface between the researcher and the data and (b) between data collection and data analysis to determine when enough is enough.
For this Discussion, you will critique a sampling strategy used in a research article.
To prepare for this Discussion:
· Review the Guest, Bunce, and Johnson article; the Yob and Brewer article; and the Learning Resources related to sampling and saturation for this .
The research process theoretical framework and hypothesis develop.docxkathleen23456789
The research process: theoretical framework and hypothesis development
the social network
The growing use of social network sites (such as Facebook) and online communities (such as for instance the apple computer community, the community of Harley-Davidson riders, and the community of Starbucks customers) provides exciting opportunities for organizations. Online brand communities allow organizations to engage and interact with customers, obtain market information, sell and advertise products, rapidly disseminate information, develop long-term relationships with the community, and eventually to influence consumers’ preferences and behavior (Dholakia and Bagozzi, 2001, Dholakia, Bagozzi, and Pearo, 2004, Franke and shah, 2003, Muniz and Schau, 2005, Tedjamulia, Olsen, dean, and Albrecht, 2005). “brand community” is a term that is used to describe like-minded consumers who identify with a particular brand and share significant traits, such as for instance “a shared consciousness, rituals, traditions, and a sense of moral responsibility” (Muniz and O’Guinn, 2001, p. 412). Online brand communities are based on their core value - the brand - and grow by building relationships with and among members interested in the brand (Jang et al. 2008). There are several possible categorizations of online brand communities, but they are generally grouped into two categories based on who initiates and manages the community; (1) company initiated communities, built by the company that owns the brand and (2) user-initiated communities, voluntarily built by their members (that is, the consumer) (e.g., Armstrong and Hhagel 1996; kozinets1999). These two types of brand communities provide different opportunities for marketers. For instance, a brand community on a company website is one of the key determinants of attracting consumers to and retaining customers on the website (Nysveen and Pedersen, 2004). Consumer initiated online brand communities may provide consumers with useful information about other
Consumers’ experiences with the product or service and the strengths and weaknesses of products or services (Jang et al. 2008).
The success of online brand communities is heavily dependent on consumer participation in the online brand community. To determine why consumers, participate in online brand community’s business student Jesse Eisenberg has developed a model based on extant service marketing literature. The main idea in this literature is that perceived value and satisfaction are antecedents of the intention to use a product or service (Anderson, Fornell, and Lehmann 1994; Bolton and drew1991; Grönroos 1990; Hocutt 1998; Kang, lee, and Choi 2007; Ravald and Grönroos 1996).
Jesse wants to apply this idea to consumer participation in online brand communities. According to Jesse, “members will probably be satisfied with an online brand community and have the intention to participate in the community when they deri.
The Research Process for the Informative Speech . .docxkathleen23456789
This document outlines the research process for an informative speech, beginning with determining the general and specific purpose, developing a thesis statement, gathering relevant information from databases, creating an outline, developing a PowerPoint presentation, and finally presenting the speech. The process involves choosing a topic, identifying the main points to be discussed, finding an attention-grabbing opener, connecting with the audience, and concluding with a impactful closing statement. Sources must be properly cited using MLA format and included on a works cited page. Following these steps will help produce an informative speech backed by credible research.
The Research PaperMust be eight- to ten double-spaced pages i.docxkathleen23456789
The Research Paper:
Must be eight- to ten double-spaced pages in length and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Writing Center.
Must include a title page with the following:
Title of paper
Student’s name
Course name and number
Instructor’s name
Date submitted
Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.
Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
Must use at least seven scholarly sources.
Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Writing Center.
Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Writing Center.
.
The Research PaperSix Double-Spaced Content Pages Minimum10pt .docxkathleen23456789
The Research Paper
Six Double-Spaced Content Pages Minimum
10pt or 12pt Font Size
MLA Format In-Text Citations
MLA Format Works Cited Page
An Annotated Bibliography Page
Research Paper Guidelines and Topics to be considered:
· Selecting entire countries or continents are too broad but individual genres within those specific countries such as Shona Music from Zimbabwe, Japanese Enka, Portuguese Fado, Haitian Hip-Hop, Cuban Son, and Klezmer are good because they represent a specific genre of Music.
· Specific instruments—the history and use of the gamelan orchestra, the tres, the bandonion, the sitar, and the kora are a few of the many instruments to consider. Here, you should locate recordings or videos of your selected instrument being played alone (by itself) and recordings or videos of it being played together with other instruments or voices.
· A performing artist or music group
· Skim through our textbook and be sure to listen to the music by accessing our World Music Textbook Listening Selections located in the Modules section of our online course in Canvas.
· A performing artist or music group—be careful not to submit only a biography as this is not a research paper, rather you must take a stand on why you believe this musician/group is important. An argumentative paper is a good approach here as it will develop why you believe—and importantly, why the reader should believe what you do about the significance of your selected performing artist or music group.
· Skim through our textbook and be sure to listen to the music by accessing our World Music Textbook Listening Selections with links to each of the 4 textbook CD's located in the Modules section of our online course in Canvas. Read about and listen to a variety of music from different parts of the world.
· As you explore, list areas (topics) that are of interest to you. These areas of interest can be quite broad--genres of music, specific instruments, singing styles, composers, performing artists, ceremonial music, sacred music, social and political events, evidence of acculturation, urbanization, etc. Please understand that you do not need to know anything about the topics you select--a sincere interest and curiosity is all that is necessary.
· Listen to/view as many recordings/videos as you can find. You will select examples from the music itself (listening and responding to recordings) and opinions/descriptions from experts which directly supports your thesis. The body of your paper turns into a site for laying out the proof you've collected rather than a canvas for delineating a topic.
· The final product will be a unique and appropriate integrationof information you have located outside yourself along with your personal insights.
· The paper should reflect a balance between the sharing of factual information, quotes from writers you have read during the research process (cited in MLA), along with your own response, descriptions, and analysis of that information—which m.
The research paper will be a formatted APA paper. It is 12 pages, d.docxkathleen23456789
The research paper will be a formatted APA paper. It is 12 pages, double-spaced. Paper length requirement is 12 pages of content from Title Page through References with no plagiarism. The Final papers will contain a
title page, TOC, abstract, introduction/topic paragraph, summary/conclusion, and references page.
This is the abstract
Information technology has been one of the critical aspects and an accelerator in driving the global economy with computational technology tools. ICT can be defined as systems whose fundamental functions are anchored in the generation, processing, storage, communication, and presentation of digital data (Masanet, E., & Matthews, H. S. 2010). When we are speaking of the global economy, there is an e-government or electronic government. This is a digital interaction among governments, parliament, central & state governments, and connecting citizens with the governance. Using information technology, when implementing e-governance, the (central and local) government has to redefine how the state interacts with the community, and central interacts with the states and brings it closer to the citizen. It involves him in the government process (Iovan, S., & Daian, G. I. 2013). Companies competing in the worldwide market are seeing and taking advantage of operating at a global level. They are profiting from the international markets, and consumer and production diversity are the main factors. Globalization is what matters in doing business with different countries. These include and are not limited to international competitors, investment strategies, infrastructure, local government stability, global rivalry, physical and elusive ventures, etc.
This research paper aims to present some aspects of the use of Information technology for the betterment of society and how it transforms information society, which in turn develops a country's economy.
.
The research paper should contain the following components• Tit.docxkathleen23456789
The research paper should contain the following components:
• Title page,
• Five to seven pages of content
• A reference sheet with a minimum of three to five sources from peer-reviewed journals or approved websites.
• All sources listed on the reference page must be cited in the text using Author, Year format, e.g. (APA, 2010),
• and any citations in the text must have a complete reference in APA format at the end of the paper.
.
The research paper should be composed as follows. 5 paragraphs1.docxkathleen23456789
The research paper should be composed as follows. 5 paragraphs:
1- Introduction. Include a topic sentence (Hook)
2- Background
3- Background
4- Background
5- Conclusion. Last sentences should be my opinion about my topic sentence.
3 references
APA style
.
The research paper must be at least 1500 words in length. The fina.docxkathleen23456789
The research paper must be at least 1500 words in length. The final project paper MUST include a minimum of 5 different sources
. Make sure to cite the sources in the body of your paper and include a works cited page. All sources must be format in either APA or MLA style.
The
Research Paper Topic is
Third Genders.
.
The research paper is on Our Shiniest and the Brightest Stars of.docxkathleen23456789
The research paper is on Our Shiniest and the Brightest Stars of all: The Sun and will include information on the following characteristics - The Sun's formation, Atmosphere, Sun Spots, the major Activities and Cycles, the Energy formations, and the Sun's influence on the Earth.
Submit as a Word (.doc) file or a Rich Text Format (.rtf) file.
Guidelines
1. A
15-Pages Full Paper
with minimum 8 different, cited references is offered with the same caveats; one source must be your textbook(Discovering the universe 11th edition by Neil F. Comins). typed double spaced pages following the MLA Style Sheet format requirements. Papers with less than 15 full pages,
Excluding
all of the Supporting Documents and References
, will be returned ungraded and will receive a zero. Use a word processor with New Times Roman in 12-point font and one inch margins on ALL pages (or equivalent font).
2. Supporting Documents like:
Pictures, Stats, Charts, Pies, and drawings must be used, but they cannot count as part of the 15 full plus
, typed pages. Your title or your name or any footnotes cannot count as part of the pages.
3. A minimum of
8 cited references or footnotes from 8 different sources
; one source must be your textbook. URLs from Internet sites are acceptable. Add the date you accessed the site.
4. In addition to the 15 pages you must have a cover page with your name, the title of the paper, the topic and number, the semester, and the date submitted.
5. You must research these
5-Sub_Topic
assigned about The SUN with minimum
Two Pages PLUS Each
, Excluding the
Pictures, Diagrams, ets...,
for Each of the
FIVE Sub Topics as early as possible
. Please Note:
Each Subtopic
will be worth
20%
.
***** The Research Topic
: Our Shining
Star
,
the "Sun"(100-Points or
10%)
, must including all of these
5-Subtopics in Details Below
(20%
each
Sub Topic
)
:
The Sun formation and its Classifications among other Stars
(
20%
).
The Structure of the Sun
(
20%
).
The Role of the Sun's Spots on its surface and the Solar Winds
(
20%
).
The Solar Eclipses and how it has been used by Scientists to further study the Corona's (the Utmost region of the Sun's Atmosphere).
(
20%
).
The Role of the Sun in supporting life on Planet Earth
(
20%
).
.
The research paper is to be at least 15 pages in length (size 12 Tim.docxkathleen23456789
The research paper is to be at least 15 pages in length (size 12 Times New Roman font, default margins, double spaced). The "15 pages" refers to content excluding the title, abstract, and reference pages. The paper must follow a formal research paper presentation in APA Style (e.g., Abstract, Introduction, Headings/ subheadings, Discussion/conclusion). Please present a comprehensive presentation of your topic using adequate resources (at least “academic” 8 sources; e-journals
Topic: Racial Discrepancies in Death Penalty sentencing
.
The research paper assignment is to write a research paper that expl.docxkathleen23456789
The research paper assignment is to write a research paper that explains "
how Information Technology (IT) promotes getting people who are affected by policies involved in the policy-making process"
. Cite specific examples.
You must reference two (2) peer-reviewed articles or papers that support your thesis statement.
One of these papers may be from your annotated bibliography assignment
. The final paper must be at least 500 words in length. (DO NOT exceed 500 words by a material amount. Excessive words or too many references will NOT impress me.)
So in summary, here are the research paper requirements:
1. 2 peer reviewed resources (articles or papers) (1 may be from your annotated bibliography assignment)
2. Paper MUST address: How Information Technology (IT) promotes getting people who are affected by policies involved in the policy-making process. Cite specific examples.
3. Cited sources must directly support your paper (i.e. not incidental references)
At least 500 words
in length (but NOT longer than
1000
words)
.
The requirements for the persuasive speech are the same as the infor.docxkathleen23456789
The requirements for the persuasive speech are the same as the informative speech except the intention of your speech is persuasive. This means in your introduction your specific purpose must persuade. For example, "Today I want to persuade (convince, or stimulate) you about being compassionate." Your thesis should break down "being compassionate" to two or three good reasons. And yes, your good reasons may sound like main points in your informative speech.
.
The requirements for the assessmentIn May 2013, the International .docxkathleen23456789
The requirements for the assessment
In May 2013, the International Accounting Standards Board in conjunction with the US Financial Accounting Standards Board published for public comment a revised exposure draft to deal with accounting for leases (currently IAS 17)
The IASB suggests that the proposals aim to “improve the quality and comparability of financial reporting by providing greater transparency about leverage, the assets an organisation uses in its operations and the risks to which it is exposes from entering into leasing transactions.”1
IAS 17 has been subject to criticism on a number of grounds and the issue of the updated exposure draft is the next stage on a long process to review and update the current reporting requirements after having taken due account of the criticisms and comments received from stakeholders.
Required:
Consider the importance of the current work programme examining Leases to the work of the IASB and the development of high quality international financial reporting standards. Review the extent to which the Exposure Draft (“ED”) issued in May 2013, discussions in the literature and comments on the ED identify current underlying weaknesses, and critically assess the significance of proposed revisions on the reporting framework and subsequent views of the IASB. Analyse and evaluate the impact of proposed changes on the financial statements of entities, and whether the proposals in the ED will serve to enhance reporting in this area.
.
The Research Paper is distinguishable from a report by the inclusion.docxkathleen23456789
The Research Paper is distinguishable from a report by the inclusion of an original thesis.
Research Paper will be at least five pages in length, include at least ten references.
The outline needed must be at least one page long (not including cover sheet)
original thesis, describe the approach to research the subject thesis and have five references
APA format
.
The research paper is about Security in Cyberspace. All aspects of h.docxkathleen23456789
The research paper is about Security in Cyberspace. All aspects of how we handle security in today’s world of information privacy, purchase, banking, etc...... A minimum of 3 references. a title page, table of contents, and a reference page. 3 pages
Title Page
Table of Contents
Introduction
Body of the report
Summary of the topic
Results or Conclusion
Reference Pag
.
THE REQUIREMENTFormat your report similar to Structural Analysis.docxkathleen23456789
THE REQUIREMENT
Format your report similar to Structural Analysis of GET OUT.
Write a one-page, double-spaced report where the first half is dedicated to the Set-Up sequence.
Identify the PROTAGONIST and what his/her PROBLEM is in the first 10 minutes. Which WEAKNESS does he/she struggle with, and is it connected to a GHOST in the past? Does this weakness also cause the protagonist to display BAD BEHAVIOR? What is the story’s INCITING INCIDENT, and to which goal does the protagonist commit at the FIRST ACT BREAK? Identify the ANTAGONIST and explain why he/she is a great challenge for the protagonist’s weakness. Also, what happens at the MID POINT, and how does the protagonist escape from the Big Gloom at the SECOND ACT BREAK? What is the CLIMAX CHOICE, and what must be sacrificed to win? How can we tell that the protagonist has changed in the RESOLUTION?
WHIPLASH
by
Damien Chazelle
BLACK...
We hear a HIT. A drumstick against a drum head. Crisp, sharp.
Then a second hit. Then a third and a fourth. The hits
growing so fast they start to blur together. Like gunfire...
INT. NASSAU BAND REHEARSAL STUDIO - GEHRING HALL - NIGHT1 1
A cavernous space. Sound-proofed walls. And in the center, a
DRUM SET. Seated at it, in a sweat-marked white T, eyes
zeroed on his single-stroke roll, is ANDREW NEIMAN.
He’s 19, slight, honors-student-skinny -- except for his
arms, which have been built from years and years of drumming.
Suddenly -- a MAN enters the practice room. Stopping, rising--
ANDREW
Sorry... I’m -- I’m sorry--
MAN
It’s ok. Stay there.
The MAN steps forward, removes his coat. He’s tall. Late
fifties. Black T-shirt, black slacks, black shoes. We’ll know
him as FLETCHER.
The room is silent now. And then, softly, as he’s one of
those people whose whisper can scare the crap out of you--
FLETCHER
What’s your name?
ANDREW
Andrew Neiman, sir.
(It’s pronounced “Nayman”.)
FLETCHER
What year are you?
ANDREW
I’m a first-year, sir.
FLETCHER
You know who I am?
ANDREW
Yes...
FLETCHER
You know what I do?
ANDREW
Yes...
FLETCHER
So you know I’m looking for players.
ANDREW
Yes...
FLETCHER
Then why did you stop playing?
Beat. Andrew nods, smiles. He gets it. Summons up all his
remaining energy and resumes playing, trying to really show
off this time. Rolls, fills, speedy stick-work. He finishes.
FLETCHER (CONT’D)
Did I say to start playing again?
Andrew looks at him.
ANDREW
I thought--
(then, blanching,)
I’m sorry, I misun--
FLETCHER
I asked you why you stopped playing. Your
version of an answer was to turn into a
wind-up drummer monkey.
ANDREW
I’m sorry -- I--I stopped playing becau--
FLETCHER
Show me your rudiments.
Andrew nods. Plays one rudiment after another: double-stroke
roll, paradiddle, ratamacue, flam, flamadiddle.
FLETCHER (CONT’D)
Uh-huh. Double-time swing.
Fletcher begins clapping his hand in time. Fast. Andrew plays.
FLETCHER (CONT’D)
No. Double-time. Double it. Bop.
Chapter wise All Notes of First year Basic Civil Engineering.pptxDenish Jangid
Chapter wise All Notes of First year Basic Civil Engineering
Syllabus
Chapter-1
Introduction to objective, scope and outcome the subject
Chapter 2
Introduction: Scope and Specialization of Civil Engineering, Role of civil Engineer in Society, Impact of infrastructural development on economy of country.
Chapter 3
Surveying: Object Principles & Types of Surveying; Site Plans, Plans & Maps; Scales & Unit of different Measurements.
Linear Measurements: Instruments used. Linear Measurement by Tape, Ranging out Survey Lines and overcoming Obstructions; Measurements on sloping ground; Tape corrections, conventional symbols. Angular Measurements: Instruments used; Introduction to Compass Surveying, Bearings and Longitude & Latitude of a Line, Introduction to total station.
Levelling: Instrument used Object of levelling, Methods of levelling in brief, and Contour maps.
Chapter 4
Buildings: Selection of site for Buildings, Layout of Building Plan, Types of buildings, Plinth area, carpet area, floor space index, Introduction to building byelaws, concept of sun light & ventilation. Components of Buildings & their functions, Basic concept of R.C.C., Introduction to types of foundation
Chapter 5
Transportation: Introduction to Transportation Engineering; Traffic and Road Safety: Types and Characteristics of Various Modes of Transportation; Various Road Traffic Signs, Causes of Accidents and Road Safety Measures.
Chapter 6
Environmental Engineering: Environmental Pollution, Environmental Acts and Regulations, Functional Concepts of Ecology, Basics of Species, Biodiversity, Ecosystem, Hydrological Cycle; Chemical Cycles: Carbon, Nitrogen & Phosphorus; Energy Flow in Ecosystems.
Water Pollution: Water Quality standards, Introduction to Treatment & Disposal of Waste Water. Reuse and Saving of Water, Rain Water Harvesting. Solid Waste Management: Classification of Solid Waste, Collection, Transportation and Disposal of Solid. Recycling of Solid Waste: Energy Recovery, Sanitary Landfill, On-Site Sanitation. Air & Noise Pollution: Primary and Secondary air pollutants, Harmful effects of Air Pollution, Control of Air Pollution. . Noise Pollution Harmful Effects of noise pollution, control of noise pollution, Global warming & Climate Change, Ozone depletion, Greenhouse effect
Text Books:
1. Palancharmy, Basic Civil Engineering, McGraw Hill publishers.
2. Satheesh Gopi, Basic Civil Engineering, Pearson Publishers.
3. Ketki Rangwala Dalal, Essentials of Civil Engineering, Charotar Publishing House.
4. BCP, Surveying volume 1
ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, and GDPR: Best Practices for Implementation and...PECB
Denis is a dynamic and results-driven Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a distinguished career spanning information systems analysis and technical project management. With a proven track record of spearheading the design and delivery of cutting-edge Information Management solutions, he has consistently elevated business operations, streamlined reporting functions, and maximized process efficiency.
Certified as an ISO/IEC 27001: Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) Lead Implementer, Data Protection Officer, and Cyber Risks Analyst, Denis brings a heightened focus on data security, privacy, and cyber resilience to every endeavor.
His expertise extends across a diverse spectrum of reporting, database, and web development applications, underpinned by an exceptional grasp of data storage and virtualization technologies. His proficiency in application testing, database administration, and data cleansing ensures seamless execution of complex projects.
What sets Denis apart is his comprehensive understanding of Business and Systems Analysis technologies, honed through involvement in all phases of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). From meticulous requirements gathering to precise analysis, innovative design, rigorous development, thorough testing, and successful implementation, he has consistently delivered exceptional results.
Throughout his career, he has taken on multifaceted roles, from leading technical project management teams to owning solutions that drive operational excellence. His conscientious and proactive approach is unwavering, whether he is working independently or collaboratively within a team. His ability to connect with colleagues on a personal level underscores his commitment to fostering a harmonious and productive workplace environment.
Date: May 29, 2024
Tags: Information Security, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, Artificial Intelligence, GDPR
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Find out more about ISO training and certification services
Training: ISO/IEC 27001 Information Security Management System - EN | PECB
ISO/IEC 42001 Artificial Intelligence Management System - EN | PECB
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - Training Courses - EN | PECB
Webinars: https://pecb.com/webinars
Article: https://pecb.com/article
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more information about PECB:
Website: https://pecb.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pecb/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PECBInternational/
Slideshare: http://www.slideshare.net/PECBCERTIFICATION
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty, In...Dr. Vinod Kumar Kanvaria
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty,
International FDP on Fundamentals of Research in Social Sciences
at Integral University, Lucknow, 06.06.2024
By Dr. Vinod Kumar Kanvaria
Leveraging Generative AI to Drive Nonprofit InnovationTechSoup
In this webinar, participants learned how to utilize Generative AI to streamline operations and elevate member engagement. Amazon Web Service experts provided a customer specific use cases and dived into low/no-code tools that are quick and easy to deploy through Amazon Web Service (AWS.)
This slide is special for master students (MIBS & MIFB) in UUM. Also useful for readers who are interested in the topic of contemporary Islamic banking.
How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17Celine George
An import error occurs when a program fails to import a module or library, disrupting its execution. In languages like Python, this issue arises when the specified module cannot be found or accessed, hindering the program's functionality. Resolving import errors is crucial for maintaining smooth software operation and uninterrupted development processes.
Strategies for Effective Upskilling is a presentation by Chinwendu Peace in a Your Skill Boost Masterclass organisation by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan on 08th and 09th June 2024 from 1 PM to 3 PM on each day.
LAND USE LAND COVER AND NDVI OF MIRZAPUR DISTRICT, UPRAHUL
This Dissertation explores the particular circumstances of Mirzapur, a region located in the
core of India. Mirzapur, with its varied terrains and abundant biodiversity, offers an optimal
environment for investigating the changes in vegetation cover dynamics. Our study utilizes
advanced technologies such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and Remote sensing to
analyze the transformations that have taken place over the course of a decade.
The complex relationship between human activities and the environment has been the focus
of extensive research and worry. As the global community grapples with swift urbanization,
population expansion, and economic progress, the effects on natural ecosystems are becoming
more evident. A crucial element of this impact is the alteration of vegetation cover, which plays a
significant role in maintaining the ecological equilibrium of our planet.Land serves as the foundation for all human activities and provides the necessary materials for
these activities. As the most crucial natural resource, its utilization by humans results in different
'Land uses,' which are determined by both human activities and the physical characteristics of the
land.
The utilization of land is impacted by human needs and environmental factors. In countries
like India, rapid population growth and the emphasis on extensive resource exploitation can lead
to significant land degradation, adversely affecting the region's land cover.
Therefore, human intervention has significantly influenced land use patterns over many
centuries, evolving its structure over time and space. In the present era, these changes have
accelerated due to factors such as agriculture and urbanization. Information regarding land use and
cover is essential for various planning and management tasks related to the Earth's surface,
providing crucial environmental data for scientific, resource management, policy purposes, and
diverse human activities.
Accurate understanding of land use and cover is imperative for the development planning
of any area. Consequently, a wide range of professionals, including earth system scientists, land
and water managers, and urban planners, are interested in obtaining data on land use and cover
changes, conversion trends, and other related patterns. The spatial dimensions of land use and
cover support policymakers and scientists in making well-informed decisions, as alterations in
these patterns indicate shifts in economic and social conditions. Monitoring such changes with the
help of Advanced technologies like Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems is
crucial for coordinated efforts across different administrative levels. Advanced technologies like
Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems
9
Changes in vegetation cover refer to variations in the distribution, composition, and overall
structure of plant communities across different temporal and spatial scales. These changes can
occur natural.
How to Manage Your Lost Opportunities in Odoo 17 CRMCeline George
Odoo 17 CRM allows us to track why we lose sales opportunities with "Lost Reasons." This helps analyze our sales process and identify areas for improvement. Here's how to configure lost reasons in Odoo 17 CRM
Reimagining Your Library Space: How to Increase the Vibes in Your Library No ...Diana Rendina
Librarians are leading the way in creating future-ready citizens – now we need to update our spaces to match. In this session, attendees will get inspiration for transforming their library spaces. You’ll learn how to survey students and patrons, create a focus group, and use design thinking to brainstorm ideas for your space. We’ll discuss budget friendly ways to change your space as well as how to find funding. No matter where you’re at, you’ll find ideas for reimagining your space in this session.
Reimagining Your Library Space: How to Increase the Vibes in Your Library No ...
The Role of Spirituality in Sexual Minority IdentityA. Jor.docx
1. The Role of Spirituality in Sexual Minority Identity
A. Jordan Wright and Suzanne Stern
Empire State College, State University of New York
Spirituality has been widely associated with positive well-being
within the general population. Although
there is limited research on the impact of spirituality on sexual
minority individuals, some evidence
suggests it is associated with positive psychological outcomes
and contributes to the development of a
positive lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) identity. The present
study aimed to elucidate the relationship
between spirituality, gender normative beliefs, and LGB
identity development. It was hypothesized that
spirituality would be negatively associated with both
heteronormative beliefs and attitudes and negative
sexual minority identity, and that heteronormativity would
mediate the relationship between spirituality
and negative identity. Contrary to expectations, spirituality
predicted greater heteronormativity and
greater negative identity. The association between spirituality
and negative identity was fully mediated
by heteronormativity. Limitations and implications are
discussed.
Keywords: homosexuality, bisexuality, spirituality,
heteronormativity, gay identity
Within the general public, spirituality has been reliably con-
nected to numerous positive outcomes (Garfield, Isacco, &
Sahker,
2. 2013; Paranjape & Kaslow, 2010; Thoresen, 1999). It has been
found to promote resiliency and self-esteem (Haight, 1998;
Kash-
dan & Nezlek, 2012), and predicts a greater ability to adapt and
cope with stressful situations (Gnanaprakash, 2013; Salas-
Wright,
Olate, & Vaughn, 2013), including illness (Lo et al., 2010;
Nelson
et al., 2009; Pagnini et al., 2011; Visser, Garssen, &
Vingerhoets,
2010), exposure to violence (Benavides, 2012; Schneider &
Feltey,
2009; E. A. Walker, 2000), psychological aggression (Austin &
Falconier, 2013), and substance abuse (Turner-Musa &
Lipscomb,
2007). Further, spirituality is associated with personality traits
that
are health-protective (Labbé & Fobes, 2010); it is also
significantly
protective against adverse mental health outcomes, such as
depres-
sion and anxiety (Bennett & Shepherd, 2013; Hourani et al.,
2012;
Hsiao et al., 2012; Sorajjakool, Aja, Chilson, Ramirez-Johnson,
&
Earll, 2008), and suicidal ideation (Henley, 2014; Kyle, 2013;
Meadows, Kaslow, Thompson, & Jurkovic, 2005).
While the research on the impact of spirituality on sexual
minorities is more limited, there is evidence that spiritual well-
being functions as a protective factor and a predictor of adjust-
ment. Greater spirituality has been associated with positive out-
comes such as increased self-esteem and identity affirmation,
lower internalized homophobia, and fewer feelings of alienation
(Lease, Horne, & Noffsinger-Frazier, 2005; Moleiro, Pinto, &
Freire, 2013; Tan, 2005), and with greater positive affect and
3. satisfaction with life (Harari, Glenwick, & Cecero, 2014). How-
ever, awareness within this population of spirituality’s role as a
protective factor may be limited: in a study of lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) individuals conducted by
Halkitis and colleagues (2009), only 1% of all participants (N �
428) actively identified spirituality as a coping or resiliency
mech-
anism.
These findings are particularly notable because the LGB com-
munity is at increased risk for a number of adverse
psychological
and physical outcomes (Diamant, Wold, Spritzer, & Gelberg,
2000; Ungvarski & Grossman, 1999), resulting from overt
factors
such as stigma-related and minority stress, perceived or experi-
enced discrimination or violence, and negative social reactions
(Hatzenbuehler, 2009; Lick, Durso, & Johnson, 2013; Plöderl,
Kralovec, Fartacek, & Fartacek, 2010), as well as exposure to
unintended, minor, or transitory homophobia (Woodford,
Howell,
Silverschanz, & Yu, 2012; Wright & Wegner, 2012). Overall,
sexual minorities experience higher rates of mood and substance
use disorders, suicide ideation or attempt (Fergusson, Horwood,
&
Beautrais, 1999; Gilman et al., 2001; Herek, Gillis, & Cogan,
1999; King et al., 2008; Meyer, 2003), and psychosomatic
disor-
ders (Lick et al., 2013) than their heterosexual counterparts.
Accordingly, given that spirituality has health protective and
coping effects among the general public, and that these effects
could positively impact psychological outcomes in the LGB
com-
munity, a more precise elucidation of the effect of spirituality
4. on
sexual minority individuals would be both clinically and
theoret-
ically relevant.
Spirituality
As interest in spirituality within the social sciences increased
throughout the past few decades, the need arose for conceptual-
ization. Broadly, spirituality can be defined as an individual
rela-
tionship with or connection to a higher power or intrinsic belief
that motivates behaviors and provides meaning and purpose
(Cow-
ard, 2014; Hill et al., 2000; Hodge & McGrew, 2004). It is
intrapsychic, experiential, and noninstitutional; it can
complement,
overlap with, or exist in the absence of organized religion.
How-
ever, the concept of spirituality is rich, complex, and defined in
multiple ways throughout the scholarly and popular literature.
This article was published Online First October 26, 2015.
A. Jordan Wright and Suzanne Stern, Empire State College,
State
University of New York.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to
A. Jordan
Wright, Empire State College, State University of New York,
325 Hudson
Street, New York, NY 10013. E-mail: [email protected]
T
hi
10. these similarities span across some studies, the stark differences
in
definition underscore how complex the concept is.
The aforementioned studies used general populations, whose
experiences may not echo those of sexual minorities. For
example,
Boisvert (2000) adds further dimensionality, nuance, and
complex-
ity, contending that gay spirituality is inherently nonorthodox,
eclectic, defiant, and intertwined with political activism,
motivated
by the marginalization, stigmatization, and rejection by
traditional
Western religious traditions. He contends that spirituality is
intri-
cately intertwined and inseparable from all aspects of identity
development, including sexual minority identity. Prior and
Cusack
(2009) further summarize how secular spirituality underscored
the
transformative process of gay sexual exploration and how this
helped to define the gay movement. In fact, this study revealed
that
the sexual exploration in bathhouses for certain sexual
minorities
served as spiritual experiences, and even religiouslike rituals
for
growth and self-transformation. Ritter and Terndrup (2002)
illus-
trate the diversity of exploration of spirituality undertaken
by sexual minority individuals, including alternative forms of
worship such as Wicca, witchcraft, and other prepatriarchal
spir-
itual routes; shamanism, which straddles the spiritual and
natural
11. realms; and spiritual healing and transformation, or working to
transmute loss through spiritual development. Perhaps no move-
ment captures the essence of this description better than the
Rad-
ical Faeries: diverse ancient traditions were compiled and mod-
ernized, and gender norms challenged, to reconstruct spirituality
from a uniquely gay perspective (Rodgers, 1995).
However, other LGB researchers have identified more universal
conceptions of spirituality within this population. A number of
individuals (28%) in a study by Halkitis and colleagues (2009)
defined their spirituality as a connection with or belief in a
higher
power. Other prominent themes included a means to gain self-
understanding and self-acceptance and a motivator of behavior.
Identity
Developing a positive identity is central to psychological well-
being (Ghavami, Fingerhut, Peplau, Grant, & Wittig, 2011).
Sex-
ual minorities, however, regularly encounter obstacles which
can
hinder the identity development process. These broadly include
heterosexist norms and pressures (Mock & Eibach, 2012),
negative
relationships, and a lack of social support (Rosario,
Schrimshaw,
& Hunter, 2008). A further source of distress can arise from
discord between multiple identities with disparate demands
(Burke, 1991), such as the codevelopment of sexual and
religious
identities during adolescence (Yarhouse & Tan, 2005).
There is evidence to suggest that greater spirituality is associ-
ated with identity affirmation and less homonegativity (Moleiro
12. et
al., 2013), greater self-esteem and more openness about sexual
orientation (Rodriguez, Lytle, & Vaughan, 2013). However,
much
of the scholarly literature on LGB identity and spirituality is
from
a clinical perspective, focused on ethical considerations and
ther-
apeutic goals of reconciliation of conflicting religious and
sexual
identities. It has been widely noted that involvement in
accepting
or affirming forms of worship can support the integration of
sexual
and religious identities (Beardsley, O’Brien, & Woolley, 2010;
Daniels, 2010; Rodriguez & Ouellette, 2000; Smith & Horne,
2007); this may be accomplished through the development of
strategies that counter and reframe stigmatizing antihomosexual
doctrine (Johnson, 2000; Thumma, 1991; Yip, 1997), thereby
reducing identity conflict. However, Smith and Horne (2007)
found that participation in religious congregations that are more
highly gay-affirming may not ultimately make a significant
differ-
ence in resolution of identity conflict. Although those sexual
minority individuals in more traditional Judeo-Christian faiths
did
report more conflict than those in “Earth-spirited” faiths (which
they found to engage in many LGBT-affirming behaviors), there
was no difference in the level of conflict or resolution of the
conflict, related to internalized homonegativity and self-
acceptance. Pargament (2002) contended that the association of
religion with well-being occurs only when the religion is based
on
spirituality, while Carter (2013) reported that spirituality more
than
13. religiosity was seen as helping to buffer sexual identity conflict.
Faith development theory, developed by Fowler (1981),
organizes
faith identity development into stages related to reasoning about
spirituality and questioning reality, and Leak (2009) found that
those who were actively exploring their own identity seemed to
be
more open to questions about faith and were higher in faith
development, again showing the complexity of these intertwined
identity constructs.
Heteronormativity
Heteronormativity broadly refers to sociocultural, political, and
industrial standardization and expectations of gender normative
attitudes and behaviors (e.g., Berlant & Warner, 1998). This in-
cludes the privileging of heterosexuality and the
marginalization of
those who exist outside of heteronormative expectations
(Jackson,
2006); this stigmatization is a significant source of minority
stress
(Meyer, 2003). Among the general population, Habarth (2008)
found positive associations between heteronormativity and
social
conservatism, and heteronormativity and right-wing
authoritarian-
ism in the general population; among sexual minorities specifi-
cally, a negative relationship was found between
heteronormativity
and life satisfaction. A high degree of concern about
conforming to
established heteronormative conventions, such as compliance
with
traditional gender roles, is particularly associated with negative
LGB identity (Estrada, Rigali-Oiler, Arciniega, & Tracey, 2011;
14. Gubrium & Torres, 2011; Hamilton & Mahalik, 2009; Sánchez
&
Vilain, 2012).
Current Study
Spirituality may influence positive psychological health out-
comes among sexual minorities. Spirituality refers to an
individ-
ual’s inner relationship with a motivational or inspirational
higher
power: this higher power can take the form of a deity or can be
T
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t
is
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by
18. is
no
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br
oa
dl
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72 WRIGHT AND STERN
purely conceptual. This relationship may or may not be
expressed
externally at the individual’s discretion and is not necessarily
bound to the confines of religiosity; that is, a spiritual
individual
may or may not belong to a particular religious community or
even
identify with any religious orientation. Spirituality is defined on
19. an
individual basis in a manner that is both personal and
meaningful.
There is not a large body of research of the impact of
spirituality
in the LGB population. The current study seeks to examine how
spirituality might impact concern for gender norms, and whether
this has an effect on LGB identity development. It is
hypothesized
that a negative association will exist between spirituality and
heteronormativity, and that heteronormativity would be
positively
related to negative identity. Because spirituality can exist
outside
of religiosity, more highly spiritual LGB individuals may be
pro-
tected from religious stigma, which has been linked to higher
levels of internalized homonegativity (Ross & Rosser, 1996; J.
Walker, 2012) and negative identity (e.g., Lapinski &
McKirnan,
2013): therefore, it is further hypothesized that for sexual
minor-
ities, less concern for heteronormativity will mediate the
relation-
ship between intrinsic spirituality and negative identity.
Although
not the major focus of this study, since identity development for
sexual minorities can be influenced by considerations such as
sexual orientation (specifically less developed identity for
bisexual
individuals; e.g., Rosario, Schrimshaw, Hunter, & Braun, 2006)
and ethnicity (specifically less developed or delayed identity
de-
velopment for racial and ethnic minorities, as compared to
white
20. individuals; e.g., Rosario, Schrimshaw, & Hunter, 2004), these
demographics will be used as controls when evaluating these
hypotheses.
Method
Participants
The present sample was comprised of adult individuals (N �
109) who self-identified as lesbian (22.0%), gay (40.4%), or bi-
sexual (22.2%). Participants were nearly evenly split by gender
(male, 45.9%), with the majority of bisexual participants (68%)
being female. The mean age was 30 years old (SD � 7.8). Half
of
participants (51.4%) reported being “in a significant
relationship.”
The sample included participants from urban, suburban, and
rural
areas across the United States, with the majority of participants
self-identified as white (68.8%), followed by Asian & Pacific
Islander (11.0%), Latino/a (10.1%), Black (8.3%), and Native
American (1.8%). Table 1 presents demographic descriptors.
Design and Procedure
Participants were recruited via a Facebook group that was
established to promote the study, as well as through messages
posted on several LGB online message boards. Before beginning
the survey, which was administered online using Surveymonkey
(www.surveymonkey.com), all were informed that the study was
approved by [masked for review] Institutional Review Board
and
agreed to informed consent online by clicking an “accept”
button
at the bottom of a standard consent form. The entire survey was
comprised of 16 measures, of which the current study used
21. three,
plus demographics, and took approximately 1.5 hr to complete.
Upon completion, the participants could choose to receive a $25
Amazon.com gift card.
Measures
Demographics. Participants were asked to indicate demo-
graphic characteristics including sexual orientation (collapsed
into
lesbian, gay, bisexual), relationship status (single or in a
significant
relationship, with more nuanced responses such as “married”
and
“partnered” collapsed into “in a significant relationship”) and
race/ethnicity (White, Black, Latino/a, Asian/Pacific Islander,
Na-
tive American, Other). Because a small number of ethnic minor-
ities were represented, participants were dichotomized into
racial/
ethnic minority versus nonminority. Participants also self-
reported
their age.
Intrinsic Spirituality Scale (ISS). The ISS (Hodge, 2003) is
a 6-item measure that measures the degree to which
nonreligious
spirituality serves as a primary motivator, driving and guiding
behaviors, thoughts, and growth. The scale is modified from the
Intrinsic subscale of Allport and Ross’ (1967) Religious
Orienta-
tion Scale (ROS), which assesses this motivational power of
one’s
connection to Transcendence within a religious context. The ISS
addresses spirituality in a more general, nonreligious, and
22. nonthe-
istic framework by removing mention of God, church, or
religion,
and was designed to be administered to individuals who may not
necessarily participate in organized religious worship or
activities.
The six items employ a phrase completion method measured
along
an 11-point continuum (e.g., responses for the item “My
spiritual
beliefs affect” range from 0 � “no aspect of my life” to 10 �
“absolutely every aspect of my life”; responses for the item
“Spir-
ituality is” range from 0 � “not part of my life” to 10 � “the
master motive of my life, directing every other aspect of my
life”).
A high score is representative of a high degree of spiritual moti-
vation. Correlations were found between the ISS and the ROS
Intrinsic subscale (r � .91). Items were found through factor
analysis to load onto a single dimension of spirituality (Gough,
Wilks, & Prattini, 2010). Reliability and validity for the ISS
have
been previous ascertained; alpha for the present sample on the
ISS
was 0.97.
Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Scale (LGBIS). Mohr
and Fassinger’s (2000) LGBIS is a 27-item measure developed
to
Table 1
Descriptive Data for Demographic and Study Variables
(N � 109)
Variable Minimum Maximum Mean SD Percentages
23. Age 18 62 30.38 7.78
Racial/ethnic minority 31.2
In a relationship 51.4
Sexual orientation
Gay 33.9
Lesbian 28.4
Bisexual 37.6
Spirituality 0 6.33 4.59 1.84
Heteronormativity 2.38 5.56 3.33 .64
Negative Identity 1.14 6.71 3.63 .64
Note. Spirituality � Intrinsic Spirituality Scale;
Heteronormativity �
Heteronormative Attitudes and Beliefs Scale; Negative Identity
� Nega-
tive Identity subscale from the Lesbian Gay and Bisexual
Identity Scale.
T
hi
s
do
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t
is
co
py
28. evaluate seven continuous dimensions of LGB identity that have
been identified and discussed in the clinical and theoretical
liter-
ature. The seven subscales include Internalized Homonegativity/
Binegativity (e.g., “If it were possible, I would choose to be
straight”), Concealment Motivation (e.g., “I prefer to keep my
same-sex romantic relationships rather private”), Acceptance
Concerns (e.g., “I often wonder whether others judge me for my
sexual orientation”), Identity Uncertainty (e.g., “I’m not totally
sure what my sexual orientation is”), Difficult Process (e.g.,
“Ad-
mitting to myself that I’m an LGB person has been a very
painful
process”), Identity Centrality (e.g., “To understand who I am as
a
person, you have to know that I’m LGB”), and Identity
Superiority
(e.g., “I look down on heterosexuals”). All subscales have dem-
onstrated constancy in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations
(de
Oliveira, Lopes, Costa, & Nogueira, 2012). Items employ a 6-
point
Likert scale, with responses ranging from “disagree strongly” to
“agree strongly” The Internalized Homonegativity/Binegativity,
Concealment Motivation, Acceptance Concerns, and Difficult
Pro-
cess subscales were found through factor analysis to load onto a
single, second-order factor and are combined to create a single
factor reflecting the degree of Negative Identity (Mohr &
Fassinger, 2000). Although psychometrics on the Negative Iden-
tity factor are not published, the included subscales demonstrate
good internal consistency. This study utilized the computed
Neg-
ative Identity subscale, where higher scores are indicative of
greater negative identity. Alpha for the present sample on the
Negative Identity subscale was 0.93.
29. Heteronormative Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (HABS). The
HABS (Habarth, 2008) is a 16-item measure designed to assess
expectations of normative behavior and essentialized and binary
beliefs regarding gender and sex. Two 8-item subscales include
Gender as Binary and Normative Sexual Behavior: Gender as
Binary addresses the extent to which gender is believed to be
dichotomous, for example, “There are only two sexes: male and
female,” while Normative Sexual Behavior evaluates
expectations
of traditional gender roles, for example, “People should partner
with whomever they choose, regardless of sex or gender.” Items
are rated on a 7-point scale from “strongly disagree” to
“strongly
agree,” with higher scores reflecting a higher degree of heteron-
ormativity. The HABS was found to be associated positively
with
a measure of right-wing authoritarianism, particularly among
het-
erosexuals (Habarth, 2008). Separate analysis found the scale to
have sufficient reliability and consistency (Els, 2012). This
study
used the entire scale. Alpha for the present sample on the HABS
was 0.72.
Results
A hierarchy of regressions was used in accordance with Baron
and Kenny’s (1986) recommendations for testing for mediation
in
a linear regression framework. This four-regression approach
en-
tails that each of the first three analyses must exhibit
significance,
with the predictor predicting both outcome and proposed
30. mediator,
and proposed mediator predicting the outcome. If these analyses
are indeed significant, a fourth and final regression can be run
(with predictor and proposed mediator predict the outcome) to
test
for full mediation.
Each analysis was conducted using two steps. To control for
demographic differences, the first step in all analyses included a
number of demographic covariates; these included age as a con-
tinuous variable and minority status, relationship status,
lesbian,
and bisexual, each as dummy coded variables. These were in-
cluded for conceptual reasons, though the intercorrelations
(Pear-
son’s r, point-biserial correlations, and chi-square statistics,
where
appropriate) between these variables and the study variables
was
minimal (Table 2). The four regressions run included Negative
Identity (outcome) being regressed on Spirituality (predictor);
Negative Identity (outcome) regressed on Heteronormativity
(pro-
posed mediator); Heteronormativity (proposed mediator)
regressed
on Spirituality (predictor); and finally, to test for mediation,
Neg-
ative Identity regressed on both Heteronormativity and
Spirituality
in the same model.
Spirituality and Negative Identity
As seen in Table 3, when predicting Negative Identity, age and
minority status significantly predicted negative identity.
Specifi-
31. cally, higher ages had higher negative identity (� � 0.222, p �
.05) and minorities had higher negative identity than
nonminorities
(� � 0.215, p � .05).
Table 3 also shows that Spirituality significantly predicts Neg-
ative Identity, controlling for demographics. Specifically,
greater
Table 2
Intercorrelations Between Demographic and Study Variables (N
� 109)
Variable 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1. Age 1.00
2. Minority .001 1.00
3. In a relationship .225� �.217� 1.00
Sexual orientation
4. Gay .063 3.790� .000 1.00
5. Lesbian �.120 .372 2.782 .00 1.00
6. Bisexual .050 6.101� 2.424 .00 .00 1.00
7. Spirituality �.168 .110 �.104 .116 .009 �.122 1.00
8. Heteronormativity .060 .110 �.067 .165 �.115 �.054
.382�� 1.00
9. Negative Identity .193� .227� �.117 .001 .001 �.002
.288�� .543��� 1.00
Note. Spirituality � Intrinsic Spirituality Scale;
Heteronormativity � Heteronormative Attitudes and Beliefs
Scale; Negative Identity � Negative Identity
subscale from the Lesbian Gay and Bisexual Identity Scale.
Correlations include Pearson’s correlations (between continuous
variables), point-biserial
32. correlations (between dichotomous and continuous variables),
and chi-squares (between dichotomous variables).
� p � .05. �� p � .01. ��� p � .001.
T
hi
s
do
cu
m
en
t
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ri
gh
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by
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A
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ic
36. ss
em
in
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br
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dl
y.
74 WRIGHT AND STERN
Spirituality was related to greater Negative Identity (� � 0.
314;
t(101) � 3.449; p � .001). Spirituality accounted for 9.3% of
the
variance in Negative Identity (R2 change � 0.093; F(7, 101) �
4.238; p � .001).
Heteronormativity and Negative Identity
Table 4 shows that Heteronormativity independently signifi-
cantly predicts Negative Identity (� � 0.519; t(101) � 6.426; p
�
.001), such that greater Heteronormativity predicted higher
Neg-
ative Identity (see also Figure 1). Heteronormativity accounted
for
25.8% of the variance in Negative Identity (R2 change � 0.258;
37. F(7, 101) � 9.720; p � .001).
Spirituality and Heteronormativity
When predicting Heteronormativity, Table 5 shows that Spiri-
tuality significantly predicted Heteronormativity (� � 0.384;
t(101) � 4.176; p � .001), accounting for 14% of the variance
in
Heteronormativity (R2 change � 0.140; F(7, 101) � 3.831; p �
.01), such that greater Spirituality predicted higher
Heteronorma-
tivity (see also Figure 2).
Mediation Model
As presented in Table 6, when both Spirituality and Heteronor-
mativity were included together in a single step as predictors of
Negative Identity, only Heteronormativity remained a
significant
predictor (� � 0. 468; t(100) � 5.390; p � .001), and the effect
of
Spirituality was no longer significant (� � 0.134; t(100) �
1.540;
p � .05). This indicates that the association between
Spirituality
and Negative Identity is fully mediated by Heteronormativity
(see
Figure 2).
Discussion
Contemporary research defines spirituality as an internal, per-
sonal, and motivating relationship with a higher power or belief
(Hill et al., 2000; Hodge, 2003). Spirituality has widely been
associated with numerous positive psychological and physical
38. health outcomes in the general population. What limited
research
exists on spirituality’s impact on sexual minority individuals in-
dicates that it may be a protective factor and may lead to devel-
opment of a more positive LGB identity. Since this community
is
at risk for negative physical and mental health outcomes,
primarily
as a result of factors such as minority stress and victimization, a
greater understanding of how spirituality functions within this
population is needed.
Because previous research suggests that spirituality is
associated
with well-being in the general population, and possibly also
among
sexual minorities, the present study hypothesized that
spirituality
would be associated with positive outcomes for LGB
individuals.
Contrary to this hypothesis, spirituality actually predicted
greater
negative identity, and this relationship was mediated by
heteron-
ormativity. That is, the reason spirituality was found to be
related
to negative identity was because it is associated with heightened
heteronormativity.
While these results indicate that spirituality may not be a pro-
tective factor for sexual minority individuals, care should be
taken
to interpret these data in light of the ubiquitous conflation of
spirituality and religion, both in the literature and in the larger
Western culture. It is only in the past few decades that
spirituality
39. Table 3
Hierarchical Regression Analysis Summary for Demographic
Variables and Spirituality Predicting Negative Identity
(N � 109)
Block Predictor variable B SE B � R2 �R2
Block 1 Age .033 .014 .222� .106
Minority .538 .246 .215�
Relationship �.292 .230 �.126
Lesbian .076 .278 .030
Bisexual .169 .264 .070
Block 2 Spirituality .199 .058 .314��� .200 .093
Note. Spirituality � Intrinsic Spirituality Scale.
� p � .05. ��� p � .001.
Table 4
Hierarchical Regression Analysis Summary for Demographic
Variables and Heteronormativity Predicting Negative Identity
(N � 109)
Block Predictor variable B SE B � R2 �R2
Block 1 Age .033 .014 .222� .106
Minority .538 .246 .215�
Relationship �.292 .230 �.126
Lesbian .076 .278 .030
Bisexual .169 .264 .070
Block 2 Heteronormativity .941 .146 .519��� .364 .258
40. Note. Heteronormativity � Heteronormative Attitudes and
Beliefs Scale.
� p � .05. ��� p � .001.
Table 5
Hierarchical Regression Analysis Summary for Demographic
Variables and Spirituality Predicting Heteronormativity
(N � 109)
Block Predictor variable B SE B � R2 �R2
Block 1 Age .005 .008 .061 .044
Minority .106 .140 .077
Relationship �.097 .131 �.076
Lesbian �.257 .159 �.181
Bisexual �.154 .150 �.116
Block 2 Spirituality .134 .032 .384��� .184 .140
Note. Spirituality � Intrinsic Spirituality Scale;
Heteronormativity �
Heteronormative Attitudes and Beliefs Scale.
��� p � .001.
β = .314***
Spirituality
Heteronormativity
Negative Identity
β = .519***
41. Figure 1. Summary of direct effects of spirituality and
heteronormativity
on negative identity. � � � regression coefficient. ��� p �
.001.
T
hi
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45. be
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75SPIRITUALITY AND SEXUAL MINORITY IDENTITY
and religion have been recognized as independent constructs,
with
much of that time spent in an attempt at operationalization
(Oman,
2013). While spirituality refers to one’s subjective, inner
relation-
ship with some higher power, religion is the externalized
involve-
ment in a standardized organization of beliefs and practices
(e.g.,
Tan, 2005). A quick review of the literature reveals that these
constructs are often used interchangeably, despite the fact that
spirituality is not predicted by measures of religiosity (Hodge &
McGrew, 2004), such as affiliation, frequency of prayer, and
attendance at services. Traditional, nonaffirming religious
46. affilia-
tion has been found to be associated with higher levels of inter-
nalized homophobia (Barnes & Meyer, 2012), which may have a
great impact on identity development.
This overlap is particularly salient when looking at sexual
minority populations. While religion, like spirituality, may be
associated with positive outcomes in the general public, a
signif-
icant number of studies have associated religious participation
with adverse health outcomes in the LGB community, even
among
individuals involved with affirming congregations. For example,
Smith and Horne (2007) reported that sexual minorities actively
involved in Judeo-Christian-based worship maintained levels of
internalized homonegativity consistent with individuals
involved
in gay-affirming alternative practices. Internalized
homonegativity
is a predictor of psychological distress (Szymanski &
Kashubeck-
West, 2008) and is correlated with increased anxiety and
depres-
sion (Newcomb & Mustanski, 2010).
The more highly spiritual LGB individuals in the present sample
may experience a personal relationship with a higher power that
is
irreconcilably connected to exposure to nonaffirming
theological
learning. Similarly, they may be currently affiliated with a reli-
gious community. In both cases, individuals may have
associated
spirituality directly with past or current religious practices and
affiliations. It is also possible that more highly spiritual
individuals
47. may be members of religious communities where they actively
encounter overt or veiled homonegative messages, thereby
stalling
development of a positive LGB identity.
Alternately, a lower spiritual score may represent a conscious
rejection of the construct of religion and, as a byproduct,
spiritu-
ality. Haldeman (2002) notes that one response of LGB
individuals
to homonegative doctrine and the distress it can engender is to
adopt an antireligious stance. Since religion and spirituality are
so
often linked, when religion is rebuffed, spiritual beliefs may be
as
well.
The ubiquitous conflation of spirituality and religion may pres-
ent further issues in regard to data collection. For example,
asso-
ciating spirituality with religiosity may color subjects’
responses
on measures of spirituality, such that the validity of the
measures
may be in question. In the current study, ISS defines spirituality
as
one’s “relationship to God, or whatever you perceive to be Ulti-
mate Transcendence,” even though theistic references are
omitted
from the items themselves. It is therefore possible that the
mention
of “God” prompted some subjects to associate this measure of
spirituality with religion. That is, some subjects may have
associ-
ated this overt reference to a religious deity or to marginalizing
48. religious traditions, and this may have primed them for higher
homonegative and negative identity scores.
Yet another consideration is that the 6-item ISS may be too
limited to evaluate spirituality within this population. The
measure
was designed to assess the degree to which one’s relationship
with
a higher power functions as a motivational force that provides
purpose, fuels personal growth, answers questions, and
influences
decisions. As previous research suggests (e.g., Halkitis et al.,
2009), these themes of personal connection to a higher power,
behavioral motivation, personal growth, and means by which
understanding is increased are consistent with many LGB
individ-
ual’s conception of spirituality. However, this measure does not
take into account specific aspects of gay spirituality such as
transformation, defiance, and political activism, and as such, it
may not be a valid measure of how spirituality is experienced
by
all sexual minority individuals.
These initial findings are important, as they not only challenge
the belief of spirituality as a protective factor for sexual
minorities
but implicate spirituality as possibly contributing to negative
psy-
chological health outcomes. In a practical light, results indicate
that within this at-risk population, there is a possibility that
spir-
itually based therapeutic interventions may have undesirable or
even harmful effects. It further illustrates the need for a greater
understanding of how spirituality functions within this
population.
49. Limitations and Future Directions
The present study has a number of limitations. A cross-
sectional/
correlational design means that we cannot be confident in the
direc-
tionality of associations. For example, although spirituality was
found
to predict negative identity, it is possible that negative identity
influ-
ences individuals to become more spiritual; indeed, some
aspects of
gay spirituality have developed to counteract the stigma and
victim-
ization experienced by LGB individuals. With the majority of
par-
ticipants identifying as White, the sample did not reflect a great
Table 6
Hierarchical Regression Analysis Summary for Demographic
Variables, Spirituality, and Heteronormativity Predicting
Negative Identity (N � 109)
Block Predictor variable B SE B � R2 �R2
Block 1 Age .033 .014 .222� .106
Minority .538 .246 .215�
Relationship �.292 .230 �.126
Lesbian .076 .278 .030
Bisexual .169 .264 .070
Block 2 Heteronormativity .849 .157 .468��� .378 .272
Spirituality .085 .055 .134
Note. Spirituality � Intrinsic Spirituality Scale;
50. Heteronormativity �
Heteronormative Attitudes and Beliefs Scale.
� p � .05. ��� p � .001.
Spirituality
Heteronormativity
Negative Identity
β = .468***
β = .384***
β = .134
Figure 2. Summary of direct and indirect effects of spirituality
and heter-
onormativity on negative identity. � � � regression
coefficient. ��� p � .001.
T
hi
s
do
cu
m
en
t
is
55. deal of ethnic and cultural diversity. Perhaps most significantly,
this study did not include any measures of religiosity, nor did
subjects provide demographic information pertaining to past or
current religious affiliation. Therefore, it is impossible to
account
for the effect of past or current religious beliefs, behaviors,
affil-
iations, or experiences.
Additional research is necessary to more precisely evaluate the
impact of spirituality on the LGB population. Further studies
should include more robust measures of spirituality than the 6-
item
ISS. The ISS was used in this study because we believed it to
succinctly capture the general essence of spirituality; however,
a
measure with more dimensionality may more accurately capture
the LGB spiritual experience. Additionally, employing a
measure
of religiosity and collecting religious demographics will help to
control for the effects of past or current involvement with a
religious congregation. Oversampling ethnic minority
individuals,
as well as those individuals affiliated with nontraditional, non-
Western, or affirming religious congregations, will ensure a
more
diverse evaluation of this population.
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Received September 17, 2014
Revision received August 19, 2015
Accepted August 24, 2015 �
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79SPIRITUALITY AND SEXUAL MINORITY IDENTITY
http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/17482968.2010.502941
http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/17482968.2010.502941
http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2009.1845
http://dx.doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1303_02
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00918360903445327
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2013.813001
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2013.813001
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/0021-8294.00028
92. Sexual Minority
IdentitySpiritualityIdentityHeteronormativityCurrent
StudyMethodParticipantsDesign and
ProcedureMeasuresDemographicsIntrinsic Spirituality Scale
(ISS)Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Scale
(LGBIS)Heteronormative Attitudes and Beliefs Scale
(HABS)ResultsSpirituality and Negative
IdentityHeteronormativity and Negative IdentitySpirituality and
HeteronormativityMediation ModelDiscussionLimitations and
Future DirectionsReferences
Development of Gender Identity Implicit Association Tests to
Assess
Attitudes Toward Transmen and Transwomen
Tiffani “Tie” S. Wang-Jones
California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant
International University
Omar M. Alhassoon
California School of Professional Psychology and University of
California, San Diego
Kate Hattrup
San Diego State University, San Diego
Bernardo M. Ferdman and Rodney L. Lowman
California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant
International University
The purpose of this study was to develop and validate 2 gender
93. identity implicit association tests
(GI-IATs) designed to assess attitudes toward transsexual men
(Transmen-IAT) and transsexual women
(Transwomen-IAT). A sample of 344 Mechanical Turk
participants from the United States (173 women,
129 men, 43 transgender) completed the following: GI-IATs,
Genderism and Transphobia Scale,
Allophilia Toward Transsexual Individuals Scale, Social
Desirability Scale-17, feelings thermometers,
and ratings of intention to support transgender workplace
policies. Results indicate that people who are
cisgender (non-transgender), heterosexual, politically
conservative, or who reported no personal contact
with transgender individuals showed cisgender preferences on
both GI-IATs. Additionally, both mea-
sures correlated as predicted with the explicit measures (feeling
thermometers) of attitude toward
transgender individuals. As expected, the explicit attitude
measures, but not the GI-IATs, correlated with
social desirability. Further, confirmatory factor analyses
supported the model comprising 4 distinct latent
variables: implicit attitudes toward transmen, explicit attitudes
toward transmen, implicit attitudes toward
transwomen, and explicit attitudes toward transwomen. Finally,
hierarchical multiple regressions showed
that both explicit and implicit measures predicted support for
transgender workplace policies. Additional
analyses showed that both the Transmen-IAT and the
Transwomen-IAT accounted for incremental
variance above and beyond the relative feelings thermometers in
predicting policy support intentions.
These findings provide significant psychometric support for
both GI-IATs. They also highlight the
importance of incorporating implicit measures in studying
attitudes toward transgender individuals, and
of distinguishing attitudes toward transmen versus transwomen.
94. Public Significance Statement
This study created and validated the first implicit tests of
attitude toward transsexual men and
transsexual women. Current measures are limited because they
depend exclusively on self-report
methods and treat the transgender community as one
homogenous group. Our tests examine attitudes
toward transsexual men and women separately using a method
that is less affected by people’s own
judgement of how they feel and are more likely to pick up
unconscious bias.
Keywords: attitudes toward transsexual men, attitudes toward
transsexual women, implicit bias, implicit
measure, test development
Supplemental materials:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000218.supp
This article was published Online First January 12, 2017.
Tiffani “Tie” S. Wang-Jones, Dual Clinical
Psychology/Industrial-
Organizational Psychology PhD Program, California School of
Professional
Psychology, Alliant International University; Omar M.
Alhassoon, Clinical
Psychology PhD Program, California School of Professional
Psychology and
Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego;
Kate Hattrup,
Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San
Diego; Bernardo
M. Ferdman and Rodney L. Lowman, Industrial/Organizational
95. Psychology
PhD Program, California School of Professional Psychology,
Alliant Interna-
tional University.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to
Omar
M. Alhassoon, California School of Professional Psychology,
Associate
Project Scientist, UCSD, Daley Hall 112C, 10455 Pomerado
Road, San
Diego, CA 92131. E-mail: [email protected]
T
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100. States through mainstream media and politics. Reality TV series
like I Am Cait and I Am Jazz, as well as recent controversies
regarding state laws about restroom access, have captured the
public’s attention. A national survey by the Public Religion Re-
search Institute showed that 9 out of 10 Americans supported
equal
rights for transgender people (Cox & Jones, 2011). Even
religious
and political conservatives were largely supportive of
transgender
equality (Cox & Jones, 2011). Despite positively espoused atti-
tudes, people’s support for specific protections against
transgender
discrimination is divided (Newport, 2016). Furthermore, the
over-
whelming support for transgender rights belies the fact that
trans-
gender Americans report significant discrimination (Grant et al.,
2011). These concerns highlight the need to improve on current
transphobia measures, which are limited because they depend
exclusively on self-report and treat the transgender community
as
one homogenous group. Implicit cognition research shows that
self-report is a poor method for uncovering attitudes that people
may not be fully aware of or may not be willing to disclose
(Gawronski & Payne, 2010; Greenwald & Banaji, 1995). There-
fore, it is possible that current reliance on surveys to measure
transphobia does not yield a complete picture of the underlying
biases. In addition, data indicate that certain transgender
subgroups
face more bias than others. According to crime data, male-to-
female transsexual2 individuals (transwomen) face the most
severe
consequences of bias-motivated actions such as assault and
homi-
cide (Human Rights Campaign, 2015; Human Rights Council,
101. 2011; Schilt & Westbrook, 2009). Considering these devastating
consequences of discrimination, and the limitations in current
transphobia measures, this study was aimed at developing
implicit
measures to indirectly assess attitudes toward transwomen and
transmen independently to allow necessary comparisons so that
these phenomena can be better understood and managed.
Implicit and Explicit Definitions
The terms implicit and explicit have been used in bias research
to describe both constructs and measures (Fazio & Olson, 2003;
Greenwald & Banaji, 1995). Implicit, when used to describe a
measure, pertains to the procedure of obtaining data on
something
indirectly; that is without having overtly asked the participants
about the focal topic (Fazio & Olson, 2003). Conversely,
explicit
measures gather information by directly querying participants
on
the topic of interest. When these terms are used in reference to a
construct (e.g., implicit cognition), they describe whether or not
the mental process occurs automatically (Greenwald & Banaji,
1995). Some researchers (e.g., Greenwald & Banaji, 1995)
argue
that, because implicit and explicit cognitions differ from one
another, measurement methods also need to differ to capture
these
concepts appropriately.
Implicit Association Test
The Implicit Association Test (IAT) is the most widely re-
searched implicit procedure used to assess automatic
preferences
based on the concept of reaction time (RT) differentials
102. (Gawron-
ski & Payne, 2010). Developed by Greenwald, McGhee, and
Schwartz (1998), the IAT is considered a relative measure of
attitudes because the respondent is evaluating their preferences
between two target groups. For an intergroup IAT, the
procedure
compares preferences for one target group versus another based
on
people’s response-time latency in associating positively versus
negatively valenced stimuli with each of the two target groups.
The
IAT yields consistent patterns of results that point to attitudinal
preferences favoring the privileged social group on identity
dimen-
sions such as race (Amodio & Devine, 2006), disability (Pruett
&
Chan, 2006), sexual orientation (Breen & Karpinski, 2013),
weight
(Agerström & Rooth, 2011), and gender (Nier & Gaertner,
2012).
Research has also shown that the IAT procedure can predict
discriminatory behavior. Greenwald et al. (2009) conducted a
meta-analysis of 122 studies that used the IAT with 184
indepen-
dent samples across various domains such as race, gender,
sexual
orientation, consumer behaviors, and political preferences.
Results
showed that RTs on the IAT predicted behaviors such as social
interactions, medical decisions, and voting preferences.
Employ-
ment studies that used IATs showed that scores on these
measures
predicted hiring outcomes for Middle Eastern (Rooth, 2010) and
obese applicants (Agerström & Rooth, 2011). Therefore, a large
103. and growing body of research has demonstrated the potential
usefulness of the IAT for measuring implicit attitudes.
Currently, there are no implicit measures of attitudes toward
transgender individuals. However, there are IAT studies focused
on sexual orientation that have found attitudinal preferences
within
the heterosexual population for their own group (Banse, Seise,
&
Zerbes, 2001; Jellison, McConnell, & Gabriel, 2004; Steffens,
2005). In fact, Steffens (2005) showed that heterosexual people
tend to report positive attitudes toward gay men and lesbians,
but
nonetheless show some automatic preferences for straight
individ-
uals. Furthermore, Jellison et al. (2004) found that the sexuality
IAT predicted the degree to which gay men were active in the
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, plus people of all other
sexual
orientations and gender identities (LGBT�) community,
whereas
the explicit measures were more predictive of self-disclosure of
one’s sexual orientation. The differences in the types of
behaviors
predicted by explicit and implicit measures, and the divergence
between these measurement scores, suggests that explicit and
implicit measures capture related yet disparate variance in these
attitudes. Not surprisingly, homophobia and transphobia are re-
lated (Hill & Willoughby, 2005; Nagoshi et al., 2008; Walch,
Ngamake, Francisco, Stitt, & Shingler, 2012); hence, research
that
has used IATs to assess homophobia provides insight to inform
the
development of implicit measures to assess attitudes toward
trans-
men and transwomen.
104. 1 The American Psychological Association (2011) defines
transgender
as “an umbrella term for persons whose gender identity, gender
expression
or behavior does not conform to what is typically associated
with the sex
to which they were assigned at birth” (p. 1). Sex refers to
people’s
physiology at birth in terms of genes and anatomy. Gender
identity is one’s
inner sense of self as woman, man, or transgender. Gender
expression
refers to the ways in which people choose to communicate their
gender
identity through dress, hairstyle, mannerisms, and other means
of self-
expression.
2 Transsexual individuals, “often referred to as either male-to-
female
(MtF) or female-to-male (FtM), are biological men or biological
women,
respectively, who seek hormonal, surgical, and/or other
procedures to make
their bodies conform to their desired gender” (Gerhardstein &
Anderson,
2010, p. 361). The terms transwomen and transmen are
sometimes used as
synonyms for MtF and FtM transsexuals, respectively.
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170 WANG-JONES ET AL.
Research Aims and Hypotheses
The primary aim of this study was to create two gender identity
IATs (GI-IATs): one for assessing relative preferences toward
transsexual men versus biological men (Transmen-IAT), and an-
other for assessing relative preferences toward transsexual
women
versus biological women (Transwomen-IAT). Evaluation of the
instruments’ reliability and validity was based on internal
consis-
tency, stability, and various types of validity (known-groups,
con-
vergent, discriminant, and predictive).
Known-Groups Validity
Known-groups validity is a method of assessing initial construct
validity of measurements by evaluating the basic assumption
that
a test will capture differences between groups that should
logically
or empirically differ on the construct of interest (Cronbach &
Meehl, 1955). First conceptualized by Cronbach and Meehl
(1955), known-groups validity has been widely used in scale
development (Mackenzie, Podsakoff, & Podsakoff, 2011; Rubin
&
110. Babbie, 2009a, 2009b), and has been deemed critical evidence
for
evaluating meaningful differences among groups to augment
other
methods of assessing measurement validity (Hattie & Cooksey,
1984). When used for IAT development, this common approach
tests whether IAT scores diverge between two groups known to
differ in their bias against the target (Gawronski & Payne,
2010).
For example, results from race and ethnicity IATs show
expected
known-group differences between Blacks, Whites, and Latinos
(Blair, Judd, Havranek, & Steiner, 2010), Japanese and Korean
Americans (Greenwald et al., 1998), and East and West
Germans
(Kuhnen et al., 2001). Because group divergence in test scores
does not by itself provide sufficient evidence of measurement
validity, the current study did not rely exclusively on the
known-
groups method, but incorporated other lines of evidence to
support
inferences about the GI-IATs.
The basic assumption that the GI-IATs can differentiate be-
tween groups that are expected to differ on attitudes toward
trans-
men and transwomen was tested in several ways. First, because
these measures aim to assess preferences about gender identity,
and research points to the prevalence of transphobia within the
American cisgender (non-transgender) population (Flores, 2015;
Grant et al., 2011; Norton & Herek, 2013), it was expected that
cisgender individuals will show greater preference for
biological
versus transsexual targets than will transgender individuals.
Hypothesis 1a: Cisgender individuals will show greater cis-
111. gender preference on both GI-IATs compared with transgen-
der individuals.
Studies of homophobia provide evidence that heterosexual men,
compared with heterosexual women, show greater negativity to-
ward sexual minorities on implicit and explicit measures of bias
(Banse et al., 2001; Hill & Willoughby, 2005; Nagoshi et al.,
2008;
Steffens, 2005). Heterosexual men have also shown greater bias
than heterosexual women toward transgender persons in studies
using explicit measures of transphobia (Cragun & Sumerau,
2015;
Warriner, Nagoshi, & Nagoshi, 2013; Woodford, Silverschanz,
Swank, Scherrer, & Raiz, 2012). Thus, it was expected that cis-
gender heterosexual men and women will differ in their
responses
to implicit measures of bias toward transgender persons.
Hypothesis 1b: Cisgender heterosexual men will show greater
cisgender preference on both GI-IATs than cisgender hetero-
sexual women.
Other demographic factors empirically related to bias toward
transgender individuals are sexual orientation (Case & Stewart,
2013; Cragun & Sumerau, 2015; Warriner et al., 2013), personal
contact with transgender people (King, Winter, & Webster,
2009;
Walch et al., 2012), political conservatism (Warriner et al.,
2013;
Woodford et al., 2012), and degree of religiosity (Cragun &
Sumerau, 2015; Woodford et al., 2012). These variables were
also
included to test known-groups validity.
Hypothesis 1c: Heterosexual individuals will show greater
cisgender preference on both GI-IATs compared with non-
112. heterosexual individuals.
Hypothesis 1d: People without any personal contact with
transgender individuals will show greater cisgender prefer-
ence on both GI-IATs than those who personally know at least
one transgender person.
Hypothesis 1e: Degree of political conservatism and religios-
ity will be related to both GI-IATs.
Convergent Validity
Meta-analyses of IAT studies show consistent relationships be-
tween parallel implicit and explicit bias measures (Hofmann,
Gawronski, Gschwendner, Le, & Schmitt, 2005; Nosek, 2005).
Nosek (2005) examined 57 Internet IAT studies in various
attitude
domains, and reported a correlation between implicit and
explicit
measures of r � .36 (Nosek, 2005). Hofmann et al. (2005)
exam-
ined 126 IAT studies on a range of topics, such as intergroup
attitudes, consumer preferences, and clinical applications, and
observed that correlations between the IAT and its associated
explicit measures for intergroup attitudes (r � .25) were
somewhat
lower than those found for consumer attitudes (r � .34), but
were
still consistent across studies. Thus, evidence from the literature
suggests that implicit and explicit measures are weakly to
moder-
ately related to one another on issues pertaining to intergroup
attitudes. Therefore, similar results were expected in the present
study; we predicted weak to moderate correlations between ex-
plicit measures toward transgender persons and the GI-IATs.
113. Hypothesis 2a: Both GI-IATs will show weak to moderate
positive correlations (r � .10 to .30) with an explicit measure
of negative attitudes toward transgender people.
Hypothesis 2b: Both GI-IATs will show weak to moderate
negative correlations (r � �.10 to �.30) with an explicit
measure of positive attitudes toward transgender people.
Discriminant Validity
Evidence from explicit measures has also been used to support
discriminant validity of IATs. Nosek and Smyth (2007) used
multitrait-multimethod procedures to show strong evidence of
convergent and discriminant validity of the IAT across seven
target attitude pairs (e.g., straight/gay, White/Black, or flower/
insect). Convergent validity was supported by findings of
signif-
T
hi
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do
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en
t
is
co
py
ri
118. con-
firmatory factory analysis (CFA) was used; results indicated
that a
dual-construct model with distinct but related explicit and
implicit
factors provided the best model fit. Thus, Nosek and Smyth’s
study supported the idea that explicit and implicit attitudes were
distinct but related constructs. Similar findings were expected
in
the present study, with scores on explicit and implicit measures
of
bias against transmen and transwomen loading on four different
but related latent attitude factors.
Hypothesis 3a: CFA will support a four-factor model with
factors representing implicit attitude towards transmen, im-
plicit attitude towards transwomen, explicit attitude towards
transmen, and explicit attitude towards transwomen.
Research has also shown that implicit measures are less affected
by social desirability than are explicit measures (Gawronski &
Payne, 2010; Sherman et al., 2014). This is especially true in
studies of the sensitive social topic of intergroup bias
(Greenwald
et al., 2009; Nosek et al., 2007). Because implicit measures are
expected to be less affected by conscious self-presentation,
some
researchers have used social desirability to assess the construct
validity of their IATs, and have observed support for the
hypoth-
esized results (LaBouff, Rowatt, Johnson, Thedford, & Tsang,
2010; Pruett & Chan, 2006). This study assessed the
relationship
of the GI-IATs with a measure of social desirability to gather
additional evidence of discriminant validity.
119. Hypothesis 3b: Explicit measures, but not implicit measures of
attitudes toward transgender individuals, will be related to
social desirability.
Predictive Validity
Predictive validity of the GI-IATs was assessed by correlating
them with ratings of behavioral intentions to support
transgender
human resource policies. Studies have shown that IATs are pre-
dictive of policy attitudes, voting behavior, and political
judgments
(Hanson, 2012; Pérez, 2010; Roccato & Zogmaister, 2010). For
example, Pérez (2010) found that a race IAT predicted people’s
attitudes about illegal immigration policies affecting Latinos.
Wang-Jones, Allen, Budzyn, and Ferdman (2013) found that
feel-
ings of threat predicted people’s level of support for
transgender
workplace policies. However, overall ratings of threat were low,
whereas ratings of support were high, so people generally
reported
positive explicit attitudes toward transgender workplace
policies.
The fact that threat was a predictor of policy support even
though
people explicitly denied feeling threat suggests that people may
not be aware of, or may be unwilling to disclose, their negative
explicit attitudes. Considering these findings, both implicit and
explicit measures of attitudes toward transgender people were
expected to be significant predictors of support for transgender
workplace policies.
Hypothesis 4: Both implicit (GI-IATs) and explicit measures
(feelings thermometers) of attitude toward transgender indi-
viduals will be significant predictors of intention to support
120. transgender workplace policies.
Method
Participants
After Institutional Review Board approval, data from two sam-
ples, a pilot sample (N � 113) and a validation sample (N �
344),
were collected using Mechanical Turk (MTurk). The pilot
sample
consisted of 72 women and 41 men living in the United States
who
were between the ages of 18 and 65 (see Table 1 for
demographic
data). Participants in the validation sample were also adults
living
in the United States who were between the ages of 18 and 65.
Targeted sampling was used to obtain transgender participants
by
administering a three-item self-report screener to determine sex,
gender, and sexual orientation. Transgender-identified
individuals
were invited to participate in the validation study through
MTurk
Prime. The initial recruitment sample consisted of 459 partici-
pants. Of this number, 17 individuals dropped out, 68 had tech-
nological issues that prohibited access to the GI-IATs, 8 cases
were deleted because of duplicate data obtained from the same
IP
address, and 22 were removed for having greater than 25% error
on
either of the GI-IATs (Rudman, 2011). The final validation
sample
included 344 participants with a mean age of 34.31 (SD �
10.63) and
121. 14.82 (SD � 2.08) mean years of education (see Table 2).
The use of MTurk and other online sampling services has
flourished recently because of their efficiency for recruiting di-
verse samples that tend to be more representative than those
obtained with typical sampling methods (Berinsky, Huber, &
Lenz, 2012; Buhrmester, Kwang, & Gosling, 2011; Gosling,
Vazire, Srivastava, & John, 2004). Prior research evidence pro-
vides ample support for the reliability and validity of data
collected
through MTurk sampling (Buhrmester et al., 2011; Crump, Mc-
Donnell, & Gureckis, 2013; Steelman, Hammer, & Limayem,
2014), especially for the U.S. population (Steelman et al.,
2014).
Measures
Transmen-IAT and Transwomen-IAT. The two GI-IATs
were coded and administered online through Inquisit
Millisecond
(2015). The Transmen-IAT was designed to assess automatic
preferences for transsexual men versus biological men, and the
Transwomen-IAT was designed to assess automatic preferences
for transsexual women versus biological women. The block se-
quence schematic for both GI-IATs is depicted in Table 3, and
the
specific stimuli used in each test are shown in Table 4. Scoring
of
the GI-IATs followed the improved algorithm recommended by
Greenwald, Nosek, and Banaji, (2003). The built-in penalty for
Table 1
Pilot Study Participant Demographics
Demographics n
122. Total 118
Female birth sex 76
Male birth sex 42
Asian/Pacific Islander 6
Black/Caribbean/African-American 10
Hispanic 5
White/Caucasian 93
Multi-racial 4
T
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by
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126. t
to
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em
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br
oa
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y.
172 WANG-JONES ET AL.
extreme scores eliminated all trials with �10,000 ms latency.
Data
were used from test and practice tasks of the four dual-
categorization blocks to calculate the IAT scores. The resulting
D
score is based on latency differences obtained by subtracting the
compatible blocks (bias-congruent responses) from the
incompat-
ible blocks (bias-incongruent responses). The directionality of
the
D scores was coded such that larger positive scores indicate
greater
127. relative preference toward cisgender over transgender targets,
and
larger negative scores suggest greater preference for
transgender
over cisgender targets. Reliability and validity evidence of these
measures is presented in more detail in the results section.
Genderism and Transphobia Scale (GTS). The GTS (Hill &
Willoughby, 2005) is a 32-item, 7-point Likert scale measuring
self-reported attitudes and behaviors suggestive of transphobia.
Cronbach’s � of the entire scale ranged from .79 to .96 in
previous
studies (Hill & Willoughby, 2005; Tebbe, Moradi, & Ege,
2014).
In the present sample of cisgender participants, Cronbach’s �
of
the GTS was .96 for the entire scale.
Allophilia Toward Transsexual Individuals Scale
(AlloTrans). The Allophilia Scale (Pittinsky, Rosenthal, &
Montoya, 2010), a 7-point Likert-like scale of 17-items, was
adapted by the current authors to create the AlloTrans scale
with
higher scores indicating positive attitudes toward transsexual
peo-
ple. The original Allophilia Scale was constructed as a measure
meant to be easily adapted for assessing attitudes toward
different
groups by simply inserting the name of the group as the subject.
An adaptation of this scale that assessed attitudes toward
lesbian,
gay, and bisexual people showed a Cronbach’s � of .97 for the
composite score (Fingerhut, 2011). Because the Allophilia Scale
had not been adapted for the transgender target group before, a
separate MTurk sample of 138 participants (90 women, 65 men)
128. was used to determine its overall internal consistency (� �
.99).
Evidence of validity suggest that the AlloTrans is related to
polit-
ical conservatism (r � �.58), religiosity (r � �.44), and
support
for transgender workplace policies (r � .86). For the current
study,
Cronbach’s � for the AlloTrans was .98, and the 1-week test–
retest
reliability coefficient was .94.
Transmen policy support and transwomen policy support.
Eight human resource policies were adapted from Wang-Jones
et
al. (2013) to separately assess support for employment rights
and
benefits for transsexual men and transsexual women.
Participants
were asked to rate their level of support for each policy on a
6-point Likert scale. Policy topics include general
nondiscrimina-
tion clauses, health insurance, restroom access, and dress codes.
Items were reverse-scored such that larger numbers indicated
less
support, to parallel the directionality of the GI-IAT scores.
Cron-
bach’s � for Transmen Policy Support was .94 and Transwomen
Policy Support was .94.
Transmen relative feelings & transwomen relative feelings
thermometers. Three feelings thermometer items were admin-
istered for each of the four target groups (transsexual men,
trans-
sexual women, biological men, and biological women). Each
feel-
129. ings thermometer was rated on a scale of 0 to 100 with the
anchors
of cold to warm (Renfro, Duran, Stephan, & Clason, 2006), neg-
ative to positive (Breen & Karpinski, 2013), and unfavorable to
favorable (Donakowski & Esses, 1996). The decision to use
three
thermometers was based on the desire to establish potential con-
vergence of these items. To mirror the relative-scoring method
of
the IAT procedure, the following formulas were used to obtain
relative explicit feelings scores: Transmen Relative Feelings �
(Absolute Feelings Toward Biological Men�Absolute Feelings
Toward Transsexual Men); Transwomen Relative Feelings �
(Ab-
solute Feelings Toward Biological Women�Absolute Feelings
Toward Transsexual Women). Similar scoring procedures have
been used to create relative preference measures for IAT
research
(Amodio & Devine, 2006; Blair et al., 2010; Nosek & Smyth,
2007). The valence of these relative scores matched the
direction-
ality of the IATs such that larger positive scores suggest more
Table 2
Validation Study Participant Demographics
Demographics Transgender (n) Cisgender (n)
Total 42 302
Female birth sex 33 173
Male birth sex 9 129
Asian/Pacific Islander 0 17
Black/Caribbean/African-American 6 23
Hispanic 2 16
Native American 1 3
White/Caucasian 31 234