Social Work Coursework’s Impact on Student’s Phobias and Attitudes towards the Transgender Community

RM 211

Problem Statement and Research Question: Over the past few decades, there has been an increase in literature on social work practice with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community, with a strong focus on the LGB portion of the community. Due to the lack of literature in social work practice with the transgender population, this study was designed to assess baccalaureate and master’s levels social workers knowledge, attitudes and preparedness of working with the transgender community. This study examines if there is a relationship between social work coursework and attitudes and phobias towards transgender individuals. Methods: Using a sample of n=244, quantitative data was collected on a sample of social work students at a public university in Southern California. Data on attitudes and phobias towards transgender individuals were collected using adapted items from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Assessment Scale (LGBTAS). Result: In conducting a series of chi-square test, it was discovered that social work coursework on serving the transgender community was not significantly related to attitudes and phobias towards transgender individuals. Conclusion: Findings suggest that there is no significant social work coursework that changes an individuals’ attitudes and phobias towards working with the transgender community. Findings point to the need to incorporate a trans-inclusive curriculum into social work programs to address the phobias and attitudes students have towards working with the transgender community.