Abstract:
Aims: Trans students are underrepresented in institutions of higher education, and little is known about their experiences and the stressors they face in this context. This study aims to understand Israeli trans students\' experiences in such institutions, with a focus on the unique stressors they face and the elements that reduce these stressors\' impact on their mental health. Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 Israeli trans students who attended various institutions of higher education in Israel. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews and was thematically analyzed. Results: Two themes were identified. The first focused on the participants\' stressors, including financial difficulties, administrative difficulties, and feelings of loneliness. The second theme focused on the elements that serve to temper the stressors they faced, including social support, hope for future social mobility, and academic skills that served to enhance their ability to cope with the stressors. The participants associated these elements with a sense of competency, higher levels of self-esteem, and a sense of belonging, thus, contributing to their psychological wellbeing. Discussion: Our findings reveal that the stressors faced by trans students in academia are tempered by inter and intra personal aspects. This provides us with a deeper understanding of the salutogenic character of coping with stress and its relationship to resilience and agency. Our findings call for trans-affirming actions to create a gender-affirming environment in academia.
摘要:
目标:跨学生在高等教育机构中的代表性不足,在这种情况下,人们对他们的经历和他们面临的压力源知之甚少。这项研究旨在了解以色列跨性别学生在这些机构的经历,关注他们面临的独特压力源以及减少这些压力源对他们心理健康影响的因素。方法:对20名在以色列各高等教育机构就读的以色列跨性别学生进行了定性访谈。数据是通过半结构化、深入访谈并进行了主题分析。结果:确定了两个主题。第一个集中在参与者的压力源,包括财政困难,行政困难,和孤独的感觉。第二个主题集中在缓解他们面临的压力的因素上,包括社会支持,对未来社会流动的希望,和学术技能,以提高他们应对压力的能力。参与者将这些元素与能力感联系在一起,更高水平的自尊,和归属感,因此,有助于他们的心理健康。讨论:我们的发现表明,学术界跨性别学生面临的压力源受到个人内部和内部方面的影响。这为我们提供了更深入的理解,以应对压力及其与韧性和能动性的关系。我们的发现呼吁采取跨确认行动,以在学术界创造性别确认环境。