JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Previous research found that transgender and gender nonbinary people rely more on online environments for receiving support. The outness process can be difficult to handle; thus, interventions targeting coping abilities are required. The current study proposes a protocol of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) integrating previous theoretical resilience frameworks (NCT06959992). The purpose is to develop resilience and other related skills in young transgender and nonbinary (TNB) adults. The paper focuses on a 3-arm design (Metaverse, online asynchronous platform, and waitlist) consisting of 7 sessions of a theme-based support group. Following randomization of the expected sample (N = 75) into the three conditions, four assessments will be conducted: baseline, mid- and post-program, and three-month follow-up. Participants (aged 18-35) in the active conditions will be exposed to five scenario-based social contexts depicting microaggressions and will engage in corresponding problem-solving tasks and self-compassion exercises. A mixed-methods approach will be utilized, with linear mixed-effects models employed to analyze outcomes across 18 variables. We expect that participants in the Metaverse condition will show higher resilience scores than the other conditions. These improvements are also expected to generalize to related skills, such as self-compassion, supported by the environment’s immersive features. This trans-affirmative setting will allow TNB young adults to explore gender expressions in a secure, peer-mentoring format that promotes authenticity. The Resilient Identity RCT proposes a low-intensity intervention model aimed at strengthening resilient attitudes in response to social threats among TNB individuals in Romania. Data from this trial will assess the efficacy of the scenario-based approach in preventing the escalation of psychological difficulties among this vulnerable population in a high-structural-stigma setting.