Investigating to what extent Need for Closure, Need for Cognition, and Gender Role Attitudes can predict Genderism and Transphobia.

Whyman, Sophie (2019) Investigating to what extent Need for Closure, Need for Cognition, and Gender Role Attitudes can predict Genderism and Transphobia. Manchester Metropolitan University. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and other (LGBT+) individuals are still marginalised and stigmatised despite recent progress in social, academic, and political areas. Transgender, or ‘gender variant’, individuals are often targets of transphobia, prejudicial behaviour such as assault and discrimination. Transphobia is underpinned by genderism, a set of beliefs which reinforces negative evaluations of gender nonconformity. Genderism and transphobia have serious implications on quality of life and mental health of gender variant individuals, necessitating exploration of ways to reduce such prejudice. One way to explore this is to examine and address constructs which may predict genderism and transphobia. Considering such constructs in education and intervention could improve individuals’ reception to positive messages around gender variance. In turn, this can reduce genderist views and transphobic behaviours, improving experiences and quality of life for gender variant individuals. This study used a multiple regression analysis on 71 students at the Manchester Metropolitan University. It investigated to what extent three constructs – need for closure, need for cognition, and gender role attitudes – can predict genderism and transphobia. Gender role attitudes were found to be a significant predictor; need for closure was marginally significant; need for cognition was non-significant. Findings, implications, benefits, and limitations of this study are discussed.