Assessing the Mental Health And Quality Of Life Of Transgenders: The Role Of Perceived Discrimination And Harassment

Abstract

Background: The social response towards transgenders in India is very discriminatory and prejudiced in general. They are experiencing discrimination in all domains of their personal and social life. They are even deprived of in their own families. Discrimination is believed to be associated with worse quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between perceived discrimination and harassment with mental health and further quality of life in transgenders population. Methods: The sample consists 60 transgenders (30 'Gurus' or Leaders and 30 are the 'Chellas' or Student)) belongs to Varanasi (U.P.) and Chhapra (Bihar). A non-random purposive sampling including the snowball technique was used to collect the data. The age range of the respondents are 18 to 55 years. A questionnaire consists of self-developed scale of mental health, quality of life, discrimination and harassment were administered. A consent form was filled from participants before the administration of the questionnaire. Results: The results show that (a) 'Guru' (Leaders) were perceived more discrimination and less harassment in comparison to their 'Chellas' (Students). Further, it was also found that (b) 'Guru' (Leaders) have perceived poor mental health (more negative affect, anxiety, depression and stress) and quality of life (less life satisfaction, and but more social acceptance) in comparison to their 'Chellas' (Students). (c) Perceived discrimination and harassment were negatively related to mental health status and quality of life. (d) Perceived discrimination was accounted for maximum variation in mental health (61.80%) while, component wise, perceived discrimination was accounted for maximum variation in anxiety (75.20%) and depression (68.50%) whereas, perceived harassment was accounted for maximum variation in negative affect or feelings (67.20 %) and stress (70.30 %). On the other hand, perceived discrimination was accounted for maximum variation in predicting quality of life (63.70%). Component wise, perceived discrimination was accounted for maximum variation in life satisfaction (84.20%) and socioeconomic status (57.50%) whereas, perceived harassment was accounted for maximum variation in social acceptance (55.30 %) and (e) Mental health partially mediated in the relationship between perceived discrimination and harassment and quality of life. Results were discussed in light of previous researches and theories of this field. Conclusion: Since, transgenders are regarded as the most disgraceful creature in this world. They are denied due to their status. The contribution of the study is important for understanding the pain and psychology of transgenders and aware others to include them in the mainstream society.