Self-compassion and psychological outcomes in gender diverse youth
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Measuring levels of trait self-compassion in gender diverse young people and the relationships between self-compassion and psychological outcomes for this group.
IRAS ID
293018
Contact name
Chloe Lack
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
na, na
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 13 days
Research summary
The study focuses on the potential benefits of self-compassion to gender diverse children and young people (CYP). This study has arisen from clinical observations at the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) that CYP’s can speak about themselves in a self-critical way. Whilst some of these feelings are natural in the context of cross-gender identification, some individuals discuss their experiences of their gender identity in a kind and balanced way whilst seeking to transition.
The process of exploring gender identity holds many unknowns (e.g., how gender identity may change over time, what changes may happen to their body, what support will services offer). An individual’s ability to tolerate uncertainty is also strongly associated with reduced distress.
This study therefore seeks to explore whether higher levels of naturally occurring self-compassion can support gender diverse CYP’s and reduce psychological distress using a longitudinal online survey design. Tolerance to uncertainty will also be explored as a mediating factor between self-compassion and psychological distress. If this study determines self-compassion supports wellbeing over a period of time whilst individuals are exploring or expressing their gender identity, it would provide evidence to suggest cultivating self-compassion with CYP’s utilising tailored interventions, could be an effective treatment target with a view to reducing psychological distress.
Of note, this study does not concern any of the issues raised about consent for medical interventions (i.e., hormone blockers) for this population (please see recent judicial review 'Bell vs. Tavistock, 2020' for further information regarding this). This study focuses on the emotional wellbeing of gender diverse CYP's and identifying whether being kind to yourself (self-compassion) supports CYP's cope with how they are feeling and the uncertainty this group may face.
References
Jo. (2020). R (on the application of) Quincy Bell and A v Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust and others [2020] EWHC 3274(Admin).REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/SW/0071
Date of REC Opinion
29 Jun 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion