Student Theses and Dissertations
Date of Award
Spring 5-15-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
B.A.
Honors Designation
yes
Program of Study
Psychology
Language
English
First Advisor
Christopher Stults
Second Advisor
Catherine Good
Third Advisor
Daniel Rovenpor
Abstract
Transgender and non-conforming (TGNC) youth and young adults are more likely to experience symptoms of posttraumatic stress due to identity-specific abuse. Studies on the impact of trauma on negative expectations in high-risk youth show a high association between pessimism, nihilism, and instability. Internalized transphobia, similarly, is correlated with negative mental health outcomes, such as depression and anxiety, and the internalization of social messages and discrimination. These studies are not specific to the experiences of gender minorities and do not explore the intersections of internalized stressors or trauma in young adults. To address this gap in literature, this study sought to explore the relationship between adverse past experiences in TGNC young adults and negative future expectations, and how internalized transphobia and one's identity impact it. A sample consisting of 200 TGNC young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 (M = 24.44, SD = 3.19) completed items on the Gender Minority Stress and Resilience (GMSR) and PTSD Checklist – Civilian Version (PCL-C). Three participants were excluded from the analyses due to incomplete responses to one of the three required measures, resulting in an analytic sample of 197 responses. Results indicated a significant mediation of internalized transphobia (IT) through the pathways of stressful past experiences (SPE) and negative future expectations (NFE). The relationship between SPE and NFE was also significant. The findings of this study are consistent with prior literature and underscore the need for further competencies of trauma-informed care for clinicians working with TGNC young adults.
Recommended Citation
Almonacy, Maribelle, "Proximal Stress and Gender Identity: The Role of Internalized Transphobia in Future Expectations" (2026). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/bb_etds/227
