SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE OF AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS WORKING WITH TRANSGENDER CLIENTS

Over the past few decades, there has been an increase in literature on social work practice with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community, with a strong focus on the LGB portion of the community. Due to the lack of literature in social work practice with the transgender population, this study was designed to assess bachelor and master levels social workers’ knowledge, attitudes and preparedness for working with the transgender community. This study is significant to the field of social work as it evaluates if students can provide comprehensive services to transgender clients. The study uses a quantitative survey design utilizing an adapted version of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Assessment Scale (LGBTAS). The data were analyzed by differentiating the two types of social work students to evaluate the differences in preparedness levels by asking about participants’ phobias, attitudes, and cultural competence. As there has been minimal literature on the social work practice with the transgender population, the implications of this study will present the support for a transgender-inclusive approach to social work practice. Study findings suggest that when compared to one another, bachelor level students feel more prepared to advocate on behalf of transgender clients than do master level students. Furthermore, master level students felt their social work programs were not providing culturally competent coursework and field placements that prepared them to work with transgender clients, while bachelor level students did feel prepared