Table 1. Descriptive Statistics and Correlation of the study variables considering the transmen and transwomen as one group N-32
Variables
|
N
|
Mean
|
Standard Deviation
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
- Social anxiety
|
32
|
93.531
|
5.7967
|
1
|
.714**
|
.801**
|
- Fear of negative evaluation
|
32
|
35.063
|
1.7734
|
1.7734
|
1
|
.679**
|
- Internalized shame
|
32
|
89.001
|
3.9688
|
.801**
|
.679**
|
1
|
**. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).
The fear of getting poor feedback from (Table1) had an average score of 35.06. The cutoff score for FNE is 25. Therefore, it's thought that transgender people worry a lot about being perceived adversely. The average score for internalized shame was 89.00, which is considered a very high internalized shame based on norms 73 and above. The mean score of transgender people for anxiety linked to social settings is 93.531, demonstrating a significant degree of social anxiety. There is a strong positive correlation between internalized guilt and social anxiety. (0.801) and fret over getting a low score (0.714). There is a positive association (0.679) between nervousness and receiving a negative review. demonstrating a significant degree of social anxiety. The relationship between internalized guilt and social anxiety is significantly favorable.
Researchers also found a significant relationship between social anxiety and fear of negative evaluation. This finding is consistent with previous research by [14] tend to show negative emotions about their affect and physical symptoms [21]. Additionally, a high correlation was discovered between internalized shame and social anxiety, supporting the results of earlier studies.
Frequent encounters with gender-based harassment and discrimination at work are linked to anxiety disorders and symptoms in transgender individuals. There is a stigma associated with being transgender, and there is a lack of gender-inclusive healthcare [30].
Based on [18] there is probably a connection between social anxiety and shame, which means that people who suffer from social anxiety disorder (SAD) are more likely to feel shame than people who don't. The worry of getting a poor evaluation and internalized guilt were shown to be strongly correlated in the current study, which is like prior studied by [28].
Table 2. illustrating the predictive power of internalized guilt and fear of being judged poorly on social anxiety.
|
B
|
Std. Error
|
Beta
|
F
|
R Square
|
Adjusted R Square
|
(Constant)
|
-19.441
|
13.725
|
|
33.156
|
.696
|
.675
|
Fear of negative evaluation
|
1.029
|
.456
|
.315
|
|
|
|
Internalized shame
|
.858
|
.204
|
.588
|
|
|
|
*Significant
To determine the results from (Table2) how internalized guilt and fear of being judged negatively by others affect social anxiety in transgender persons, a typical multi-regression analysis was performed. The statistical significance of the prediction model is demonstrated by its F (2, 29=33.156, p<.001), which accounts for 69% of the variation in social anxiety (R² =.696, adjusted R² =.675). The contribution of internalized shame was (B=.855, p=.001), while the dread of unfavorable assessment contributed (B=1.029, p=.032).
The dread of a negative appraisal, which is seen as a cognitive vulnerability, is a major component of social anxiety. Even [26] found increased dread of being negatively judged in social situations where one could be judged (e.g., public speaking, street strolling) is the root cause of social anxiety.
Multiple research studies have shown that those who are anxious about receiving a poor rating might experience anxiety and become more agitated in social evaluation situations [27]. According to [25] and [15] interpretations, internalized guilt, and fear of receiving a poor assessment are risk factors for social anxiety.
Table 3. Fear of unfavorable outcomes: a t-test indicating the differences between transman and transwoman Analysis of social anxiety and internalized guilt.
Variables
|
Trans Men
Mean ±SD
|
Transwomen
Mean± SD
|
t-test
|
Sig.(2-tailed)
(df=30)
|
Fear of negative evaluation
|
22.300±8.4859
|
37.2227±6.6899
|
-5.380
|
.001**
|
Internalized shame
|
75.200±23.0159
|
92.409±20.4954
|
-2.210
|
.042*
|
Social anxiety
|
76.800±29.1502
|
94.227±33.5218
|
-1.416
|
.167
|
** 0.01, *0.05 significance level
An independent sample t-test in (Table3) was used to compare the social anxiety, internalized shame, and fear of negative evaluation for transman and transwoman. The findings indicate that there is a significant difference in the scores for internalized shame (M=92.41, SD=20.49), social anxiety (M=94.23, SD=33.52), transwoman (M=37.22, SD=6.69), and fear of negative evaluation (M=22.300, SD=4.91); t=-5.380, -2.120, -1.416, respectively. Between transman and transwoman, there is a substantial difference in the mean score for social anxiety, internalized shame, and fear of unfavorable assessment. There are differences between transmen and transwomen, especially in terms of both physical and mental health [10] as demonstrated by literary evidence of [2], [13] [29] Similar differences were predicted in the current study. [11]. This gap might possibly be explained by the different types of samples used for each of the prior studies, though the sample size may have been too small to detect systematic variations. The research employed the clinical population, while the community samples in this study showed substantial differences in social anxiety, internalized shame, and fear of unfavorable appraisal between transman and transwoman. Transwomen are more afraid of social anxiety, internalized shame, and unfavorable judgment than transmen are. Compared to transgender women, transgender males supported using family support and aid for decision-making more frequently.
According to movement advancement project [31] social norms that prioritize masculinity over femininity have made transsexual males more societally acceptable than trans women. Transwomen frequently experience more disparity in jobs and resulting financial stressors compared with transman [32]. It is probable that transmen were reared as women's roles in their homes and were socialized to participate more fully in family life [32] speculate that transmen may have been taught to participate more in their families when they were reared as women's roles.
Findings
Transgender individuals experience a moderate amount of social anxiety along with a strong fear of being negatively judged and internalized shame. Social anxiety, internalized shame, and fear of being judged poorly are positively correlated. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that internalized guilt and fear of receiving a poor assessment have a strong predictive association with social anxiety. An R-squared score of 68% indicates a social anxiety prediction. Men and women who identify as transgender differ from one another. Compared to transmen, transwomen are more likely to suffer social anxiety, internalized humiliation, and dread of being judged negatively. Speaking in public, engaging with those in positions of power, conversing with persons of the opposite sex, and connecting with strangers all cause them to feel uneasy or uneasy.
This study sheds insight on the psychological obstacles that transgender people must overcome, with a special emphasis on the relationship between social anxiety, internalized shame, and fear of being judged negatively. Concerning the dread of being judged poorly and internalized guilt People who identify as transgender have a greater fear of being negatively assessed, which suggests that they are very concerned about what other people think of them. Furthermore, internalized shame raises the possibility that these people may absorb harmful assumptions and biases from society, which might result in a bad self-image.
Transitional periods of moderate social anxiety are common among transgender individuals, signifying uneasiness, or unease in social settings. This may be a result of internalized guilt and the fear of being negatively judged, which makes people more nervous in social situations. Further, the notion that fears of being negatively evaluated, internalized shame, and social anxiety are positively correlated suggests that when one of these variables rises, the others are also likely to rise. These two characteristics can predict 68% of the variability in social anxiety among transgender people, according to the R-squared value of 68%. Compared to transmen, transwomen are more likely to suffer social anxiety, internalized humiliation, and dread of being judged negatively. Even, Transwomen experience discomfort and nervousness in some situations, including speaking in public, engaging with persons in positions of power, conversing with people of the opposite sex, and chatting to strangers. In conclusion, this material clarifies the complicated psychological terrain that transgender people must navigate while highlighting the need of comprehending and resolving the unique difficulties brought on by internalized shame, social anxiety, and fear of being negatively assessed. Furthermore, understanding the distinctions between transmen and transwomen might help in modifying treatments and support to better suit each group's particular requirements.
Conclusion and Implication
In conclusion, this study clarifies the complicated psychological terrain that transgender people must navigate while highlighting the need of comprehending and resolving the unique difficulties brought on by internalized shame, social anxiety, and fear of being negatively assessed. Furthermore, understanding the distinctions between transmen and transwomen might help in modifying treatments and support to better suit each group's particular requirements. Social anxiety can be successfully addressed with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) [12]. There are various approaches to CBT that are beneficial for social anxiety, and therapists should alter and tweak CBT to provide successful and culturally appropriate therapy when working with populations like transgender kids. Exposure, for example, is the methodical, slow process of exposing individuals to the things that annoy them.
Focus must be towards the need for a comprehensive approach to support transgender individuals, involving family support groups and improved training for healthcare professionals. By addressing stigma at various levels and promoting understanding and inclusivity, it becomes possible to enhance the mental well-being and healthcare experiences of transgender individuals.
Self-esteem can be impacted by parental support, but self-esteem can also impact societal support.
Therefore, a good self-concept may encourage the active creation and maintenance of positive, socially beneficial connections as well as a sense of improved social support. In this regard. Further, Group therapy is especially beneficial for social anxiety issues since it allows patients to practice social skills with their friends in a supervised setting while also developing a social support network. Another method is used in learning cognitive strategies to rebuild automatic negative thoughts. It also helps them develop the skills necessary to form supportive communities and promote positive change and healthy adapting by forming safe, affirming, and collaborative remedial relationships.
In a nutshell the added context emphasizes how important it is for society to accept and assist transgender people, since it has a significant impact on their mental health. The varying experiences of transmen and transwomen can be ascribed to prevailing cultural perspectives and the perceived obstacles linked to each gender transition. Recognizing these differences is essential to creating focused interventions and support networks that cater to the unique requirements of transgender people as they transition.
Limitations and suggestion
A crucial component of the openness and integrity of research is the disclosure of limits. The study's acknowledged limitations offer insightful information on the extent and applicability of the results. Given the limited sample size, it is possible that the study's conclusions may not accurately reflect the transgender community. A bigger sample size may have improved the statistical power of the research and produced more complex or diverse findings.
This limitation implies that the results might not apply to all circumstances and that transgender people's experiences in India might be different from those of persons in other nations due to cultural, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. Considering the distinctions between living as a transgender person in India and other countries suggests that the study's findings are culturally distinct. This limitation highlights how important it is to consider cultural differences when extrapolating the study's conclusions to other cultures.