Exam Preview for 2287: Adapting Evidence-Based Practices for Transg

Adapting Evidence-Based Practices for Transgender Patients: Current Literature, Ethical Considerations, and Future Directions

Please note: exam questions are subject to change.

1. Which of the following is an important ethical consideration when using an EBP to treat transgender and gender-diverse patients? It is important to avoid asking any pointed questions about gender identity or gender dysphoria, as doing so can unnecessarily influence patients. It is important to ensure that the evidence-based technique does not in any way resemble conversion therapy or attempt to change a person's gender identity. It is unethical to discuss gender dysphoria with transgender patients seeking mental health treatment. Evidence-based practices should not be used to treat transgender and gender-diverse patients.
2. Which of the following EBPs have NOT been adapted for transgender and gender-diverse patients? Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) Reparative Therapy Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
3. When using CBT for transgender and gender diverse patients, how might an intervention be in conflict with Minority Stress Theory? Challenging cognitive distortions can come across as invalidating someone’s experience of discrimination, rejection, or non-affirmation. Linking thoughts, feelings, and behaviors may be especially difficult for transgender and gender-diverse patients. Identifying thoughts and feelings can be in conflict with identifying proximal stressors such as internalized transphobia. Behavioral activation may not be possible for some transgender and gender-diverse patients.
4. Which of the following is an ACT technique for treating a transgender patient who wants to wear a dress but is afraid to do so? Limiting experiential avoidance and working toward values-aligned behavior. Challenging cognitive distortions about the patient’s exaggerated perceptions of discrimination. Helping the patient identify social supports that can encourage her to wear the dress. Teaching the patient distress tolerance skills to use while wearing the dress.
5. Which of the following is an EBP that was developed to target minority stress and internalized stigma in transgender and gender-diverse individuals? The Gender Unicorn Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) Transgender Minority Stress Therapy (TMST) Trans-Affirmative Narrative Exposure Therapy (TA-NET)
6. When should you NOT use an EBP for transgender and gender-diverse patients? When you have not found a randomized controlled trial demonstrating the EBP’s effectiveness with trans and gender diverse patients. When you do not have adequate training in either that particular EBP and/or you do not have adequate training in working with transgender/gender-diverse patients. When you do not know anyone else who uses that EBP for transgender and gender-diverse patients, even if you have found literature supporting its use. When you believe that using evidence-based interventions is harmful to your patient.
7. How does Minority Stress Theory conceptualize the development of mental health problems in trans and gender-diverse individuals? Distal stress factors, such as negative expectations, have both a direct and indirect effect on mental health outcomes, with the indirect effect being mediated by proximal stress factors such as low self-esteem. Proximal stress factors, such as depression, have both a direct and indirect effect on mental health outcomes, with the indirect effect being mediated by distal stress factors such as suicidal ideation. Distal stress factors, such as discrimination, have both a direct and indirect effect on mental health outcomes, with the indirect effect being mediated by proximal stress factors such as internalized transphobia. Proximal stress factors, such as internalized transphobia, have both a direct and indirect effect on mental health outcomes, with the indirect effect being mediated by distal stress factors such as discrimination.
8. How does DBT align with Minority Stress Theory? DBT conceptualizes the development of mental health problems as being the result of an invalidating environment. DBT conceptualizes the development of mental health problems as being entirely related to one’s personal choices and values. DBT helps patients navigate major life transitions, including gender transition. DBT’s focus on emotion regulation and distress tolerance helps patients tolerate gender dysphoria.
9. Which of the following is the BEST answer to the question: Why is it important to adapt EBPs for transgender and gender-diverse patients? Because you should never use an EBP that has not been adapted for a particular population. Because an EBP that has not been adapted for trans/gender-diverse patients can end up being harmful to those patients. Because EBPs were not meant to be used for trans/gender-diverse patients. Because you most likely were not trained to use that EBP for trans/gender diverse patients.
10. Which of the following is a CBT technique that has been adapted for use with transgender and gender-diverse patients? Patients are taught to use mindfulness techniques to identify areas of their body that feel incongruent with their experienced gender. Patients identify their values around internalized transphobia and work to defuse from internalized transphobia. Patients process grief and loss surrounding the loss of their old self and of family and friends that they’ve had to let go. Patients are taught to identify thoughts that reflect internalized transphobia and to challenge those thoughts.