Perceptions of Transgender Populations: An Educational Module to Increase Knowledge and Reduce Negative Attitudes

Individuals who identify as transgender are at the receiving end of subtle and direct forms of negative attitudes and discrimination. These attitudes and discrimination remain despite the recent research emphasis on attitudes toward sexual minority populations and the large improvement in attitudes toward sexual minorities over the last few decades. Recent research related to transgender populations largely focuses on examining the existing attitudes, rather than attempts to reduce these negative attitudes. In the current study, we aim to increase knowledge about transgender populations and reduce negative attitudes by employing an online psychoeducational intervention module. Potential change in attitudes will be assessed with pre- and post-test attitude measures as well as a pre- and post-test knowledge measure. Furthermore, we aim to examine the role of contact and familiarity on stigma. We also plan to investigate the role of a biological explanation of transgenderism on attitudes and stigma towards transgender populations. A better understanding of the efficacy and use of educational interventions will not only be beneficial for the future of transgender populations, but also for any population that experiences stigma and discrimination