Abstract

Prompted by Kristin Brubaker, a licensed pediatric occupational therapist who works at the Center for Therapeutic Intervention (CTI) in Gig Harbor, WA, the researchers set out to answer the following question: “What evidence supports the use of occupational therapy (OT) interventions in improving the psychosocial health of children and youth between the ages of 0 to 25 experiencing gender dysphoria (GD)?” After reading and evaluating 29 articles from qualitative and quantitative research, systematic reviews, and additional evidence, the researchers concluded that occupational therapists can assist this population by affirming the experience of GD, encouraging exploration of gender identity, providing a safe and supportive environment, maximizing strengths and resources, reflecting upon long-term consequences of various treatment approaches, facilitating social transition into preferred gender roles, and preventing loss of engagement in meaningful occupations. After summarizing these findings, the researchers conducted an in-service presentation at CTI regarding GD and the role of OT. In order to assess effectiveness, the researchers administered three surveys to monitor the clinicians’ knowledge, confidence, and implementation of the aforementioned practice recommendations. Future continuations of this project could focus on compiling additional evidence to determine what constitutes effective parent/caregiver education for children with GD, and examining occupational deprivation within this population.

Publication Place

Tacoma, Washington

Publisher

University of Puget Sound

Project Chairperson

Kirsten Wilbur, Ed.D., OTR/L

Publication Date

5-2017

Genre

Capstone Project

Format

PDF

Language

English

Degree Program

Occupational Therapy

Degree Level

Master of Science

Discipline

Occupational Therapy

School

University of Puget Sound

Additional Files
MMurphy_Signatures.pdf (35 kB)
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