NET for Traumatic Stress in the Transgender Population 1.1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Using Narrative Exposure Therapy to Treat Post Traumatic Stress among Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults: A Series of Single Case Studies
IRAS ID
306643
Contact name
Thomas Schröder
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 28 days
Research summary
Research indicates that transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people are at greater risk of experiencing post-traumatic stress (PTS) compared to the general population. The elevated risk for PTS in the TGD community is likely related to their increased risk of discrimination and victimisation related to their gender identity/expression. Exposure to anti-transgender bias and non-affirmation can occur repeatedly through the lifespan and begin from an early age, persisting into adolescence and adulthood. It is therefore likely that TGD people will present with ‘complex trauma’ presentations that include difficulties such as shame related to one’s transgender identity and negative self-evaluation.
The aim of the present study is to investigate whether Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) delivered via videoconferencing can be an effective, feasible, and acceptable intervention for TGD people who are experiencing anti-trans related PTS. NET is a brief, evidence-based trauma-focused therapy designed to treat individuals who have experienced multiple traumas. A single case study series design will be used to examine whether NET can effectively reduce PTS, depression and anxiety, and internalised transphobia. The study will also examine if NET can increase identity pride. TGD participants aged 18 and above who are experiencing PTS related to anti-transgender bias and discrimination will be recruited from the waiting list of the Nottingham Centre for Transgender Health in Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Up to four participants will receive up to twelve video sessions on a weekly basis. Changes in outcomes will be examined before, during and after NET. Participants will finally be interviewed about their experiences of NET after treatment. six participants will be recruited in total, to account for drop out.
The study is part of a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology programme, funded by Health Education England. Potential benefits include examining NET with an under-research population, and contributing to research on trauma interventions for TGD people.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/LO/0269
Date of REC Opinion
5 May 2022
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion