Recomendaciones para la investigación psicológica con personas transgénero: Una aproximación desde una experiencia en Chile / Recommendations for psychological research with transgender people: an approach from an experience in Chile

Resumen El presente trabajo expone y fundamenta recomendaciones basadas en la experiencia de investigación en personas transgénero, con la intención de que puedan ser útiles a quienes realicen estudios con dicha población. Estas recomendaciones incluyen orientaciones conceptuales, metodológicas y éticas, aplicables a lo largo del proceso de investigación. En particular, las orientaciones cubren los siguientes temas: definir con precisión el colectivo con el que se trabaja, registrar la variedad de identificaciones de género posibles al interior del mismo, utilizar métodos de muestreo aptos para poblaciones de difícil acceso, retribuir la participación, incluir líderes e investigadores transgéneros como expertos, pilotar los instrumentos en la población que será investigada, optar por modalidades de recolección grupal de datos, ofrecer asistencia individualizada durante la recolección, utilizar un lenguaje no estigmatizante e inclusivo, convocar la participación en conjunto con organizaciones transgénero, atender a la movilidad geográfica de la población, realizar una escucha comprometida y contemplar protocolos de derivación, considerar las diferentes trayectorias de transición, realizar sesiones de interanálisis y, finalmente, difundir apropiadamente los hallazgos al interior de la población transgénero. Se discuten estas proposiciones en términos de sus efectos en las comunidades trans, su utilidad y alcances éticos, su articulación con exigencias generales de toda investigación y sus implicaciones para el activismo.

Abstract Prejudice and discrimination have important effects on the well-being and quality of life of trans people. Hence, investigating with said population implies, in addition to actions to obtain relevant and truthful information, having the necessary actions to attend to their needs and peculiarities. These are populations that are difficult to access (hard-to-reach), stigmatized, in which there is no defined sampling frame, that have physical and mental health indicators lower than those of any other group with which we have worked and that, therefore, it is necessary to take extreme the precautions not to reproduce types of relationships that may be harmful or offensive. The purpose of the present article was to systematize part of our field experience with transgender people, so that it can be useful for those who study with this population. These recommendations aim to provide some conceptual, methodological and ethical guidelines, useful throughout the research process. In particular, we made a series of recommendations that cover from the moment of taking conceptual decisions about the design of the study, through contact with the organizations, until the completion of the field work and subsequent stage of dissemination of results. In particular, a series of recommendations are made regarding: specifying the definition of the group with which one works, recording the variety of gender identifications as people present them, using to sampling methods for hard-to-reach populations or hidden populations, deliver a retribution for the participation (consider participants as experts to be compensated for their work), including activists as experts in every stage of the study (study design, field work, data analysis and dissemination of results), piloting the instruments in specific population, preferably opt for group applications modality and continue with a debriefing, have specific assistance for participants during the application (special needs derived from their age, educational level, reduced mobility, among others), use non-stigmatizing and inclusive language, call together with trans organizations (in order to establish greater trust in the population), attend to a mobility of the population (so as not to replicate the sample in different places), carry out a committed listening and contemplate referral protocols (if necessary given the type of situations described by the participants and their current degree of elaboration), consider different trajectories of transition, conduct inter-analysis sessions and disseminate appropriately within the transgender population. These propositions are discussed in terms of their effects on trans communities, their usefulness and ethical scope, their articulation with the general requirements of all research, and their implications for activism. On the other hand, these recommendations can serve as criteria for evaluating the ethical dimension of research projects with trans people. It may therefore be important to project reviewers, editors, and reviewers of manuscripts submitted for publication. The perspective that we assume in this work is aligned with those called "evidence-based activism", which implies articulating a variety of knowledge, scientifically accredited and of an "experiential" type, in order to explore situations in which the team members Research staff are part of networks that involve them personally in their study topics. It is precisely the relationship with groups that work for the rights of minorities, activists and members of these groups is essential, since they have knowledge acquired through their experience as part of discriminated groups and they can contribute to the mobilization of knowledge in the governance of health issues.

Efectos del prejuicio sexual en la salud mental de personas transgénero chilenas desde el Modelo de Estrés de las Minorías: Una aproximación cualitativa / Sexual prejudice effects on Chilean transgender individuals' mental health from Minority Stress Model: A qualitative approach

Resumen El Modelo de Estrés de las Minorías (Meyer, 2003) ha permitido explicar de qué forma el prejuicio sexual produce efectos negativos en la salud y bienestar de personas pertenecientes a las minorías sexuales, a través de la identificación de estresores de tipo distales y proximales. Este estudio buscó indagar los efectos del prejuicio sexual en la salud mental de personas transgénero en Chile desde un enfoque cualitativo. Se realizaron entrevistas semi-estructuradas a 17 personas transgénero femeninas y masculinas en cuatro ciudades del país. Los resultados nos permite identificar la presencia de factores distales asociados a discriminación manifiesta y factores proximales asociados a la vivencia del estigma y su relación con el autoconcepto. Finalmente, se describen efectos en la salud mental, entre los que destacan la presencia de sintomatología ansioso-depresiva, ideación e intentos suicidas, conductas autolesivas y consumo de alcohol y otras sustancias.

Abstract The Minority Stress Model (Meyer, 2003) has made it possible to explain how sexual prejudice produces negative effects on the health and wellbeing of people belonging to sexual minorities, through distal and proximal stressors. A qualitative study was conducted to investigate the effects of sexual prejudice on the mental health of transgender adults in Chile. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 transgender people, both male and female, in four cities of the country. The results allow us to identify the presence of distal factors associated with overt discrimination, as well as, proximal factors associated with the experience of stigma and its effects on self-concept. Finally, effects on mental health are described, among which the presence of anxious-depressive symptomatology, suicidal ideation and attempts, self-injurious behavior and consumption of alcohol and other substances.

Violencia de pareja en hombres gay y mujeres lesbianas chilenas: Un estudio exploratorio / Intimate partner violence in chilean gay men and lesbian women: An exploratory study

La violencia en las relaciones de pareja del mismo sexo es un tema poco explorado. Históricamente, esta problemática ha sido estudiada en el marco de relaciones heterosexuales ubicando a las mujeres como víctimas y a los hombres como principales agresores. El propósito de este estudio fue describir las experiencias de violencia de pareja (VP) en una muestra de 268 hombres gay y 199 mujeres lesbianas. Se utilizó un muestreo tipo bola de nieve para reclutar la muestra en cuatro ciudades chilenas (Antofagasta, Valparaíso, Santiago y Concepción). Para la recolección de datos se aplicó un cuestionario especialmente diseñado para este estudio. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos y Chi-cuadrado para indagar posibles relaciones por sexo y características sociodemográficas. Entre los principales resultados se puede señalar que del total de la muestra (N = 467) sólo 80 personas (17.25%) reportaron haber sido receptoras de algún tipo de VP. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el reporte de violencia psicológica entre hombres gay y mujeres lesbianas [χ²(1) = 6.37, p = .01, w =.64]. Los hombres gay reportaron mayor frecuencia de violencia psicológica (87.5%) en comparación con las mujeres lesbianas (65.8%). También se encontró una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre experiencias de VP y nivel educativo [χ²(3) = 10.53, p = .01, w = .51]. Las personas con mayor nivel educativo reportan frecuencias menores de VP. Finalmente, se encontró una relación estadísticamente significativa entre haber sido víctima de VP y haber sido perpetrador de VP. Los resultados son discutidos y se plantean implicaciones para futuras investigaciones.

The recognition of same-sex relationships has increased, but same-sex intimate partner violence has been less studied. Historically, this problem had been studied in heterosexual relationships, women being victims and men main aggressors. This heteronormative approach to intimate partner violence (IPV) often neglects same-sex relationships (Finneran, Chard, Sineath, Sullivan, & Stephenson, 2012; Russell, 2015). For this study, IPV is defined as every act causing psychological, physical or sexual damage, within the context of intimate relationships (Harvey et al., 2007) perceived as such. To our knowledge, there are no studies about IPV in same-sex relationships in Chile. Data about this topic is scarce in the Latin American context (Ferreira et al., 2015). Therefore, it is necessary to provide contextualized knowledge about IPV in same-sex relationships to face this psychosocial problem. The aim of this study was to describe IPV in same-sex relationships in gay men and lesbian women and its sociodemographic characteristics. In addition, results are compared to detect possible differences between groups. LGBT populations are considered a difficult-to-reach or hidden population (Paz-Bailey et al., 2013). For this reason, a snowball sampling procedure was used. The sample consists of 467 participants who identify themselves as gay men (57.4%) or lesbian women (42.6%), aging from 18 to 67 years (M = 27.9; SD = 7.9). The sample was recruited in four Chilean cities (Antofagasta, Valparaíso, Santiago, and Concepción). A specially designed questionnaire was administered to collect data for this study. Results were obtained through descriptive and comparative analyses with a Chi-square Test. Analyses indicate that 80 subjects (17.2%) had experienced some form of IPV (psychological, physical, or sexual); 87.7% of them reported psychological violence; and about half of them (47.5%) physical violence. Likewise, 19.3% respondents reported that there had been an IPV perpetrator. For group analysis, 20.1% of lesbian women and 19.3% of gay men reported some IPV experience. Statistically significant differences between gay men and lesbian women respondents were detected for psychology violence perpetrated [x²(1) = 6.37, p = .01, w = .64]. Gay men reported a higher percentage perpetrating psychological violence in their relationship (87.5%), as compared to the group of lesbian women (65.8%). Also, a statistically significant relation was found between IPV experiences and educational levels [x²(3) = 10.53, p = .01, w = .51]. Subjects with higher educational levels report less IPV frequency. Finally, a statistically significant relation was found between IPV victims and IPV perpetrators. This study represents the first approach to describe and characterize IPV in gay men and lesbian women, thus creating a baseline for making comparisons with future findings on LGBT issues in Chile and Latin America. Results support evidence concerning greater prevalence of psychological violence in both gay men and lesbian women, as compared to other types of violence such as physical and sexual (Barrett & St. Pierre, 2013; Finneran y Stephenson, 2013; Hellemans et al., 2015; Messinger, 2011). In addition, this resultis similar to those of previous studies on general population (Russell, 2015). An important result is IPV mutuality in the sample, namely, IPV occurs in two directions: persons experiencing partner violence concurrently perpetrate violence against their partners. Findings support the view that, in general, violence in same-sex relationships takes place gradually from relation al dynamics marked by violence (Barrientos, Rodríguez-Caballería, Escartín & Longares, in press). In this context, although data from this study are exploratory-descriptive, they make up a good approach to the problem since they include gay men and lesbian women from different Chilean areas of varied sociodemographic characteristics. If similar findings are reported in other studies, they could help direct psychosocial interventions, public policies, and future research. In any case, results must be carefully considered since they are non-representative samples and, in theory, not comparable with each other. Limitations and implications for future IPV research in same-sex relationships are discussed.

[Socio-demographic characteristics, subjective well-being, and homophobia experienced by a sample of gay men from three cities in Chile]. / Características sociodemográficas, bienestar subjetivo y homofobia en una muestra de hombres gay en tres ciudades chilenas.

This article describes the socio-demographic characteristics of a sample of gay men in three cities in Chile, as well as experience with homophobia and subjective well-being. Snowball sampling was used to interview 325 gay men. The main findings included high levels of perceived discrimination and victimization, but interviewees reported higher levels of social well-being compared to studies elsewhere in the country. Age was related to differences in levels of social well-being, but not other variables. Individuals with university education reported higher levels of victimization and greater impact of discrimination on their lives. Gay men in Santiago reported a higher relative impact from incidents of aggression, but better levels of social well-being and happiness compared to those in other regions of Chile.

Características sociodemográficas, bienestar subjetivo y homofobia en una muestra de hombres gay en tres ciudades chilenas / Socio-demographic characteristics, subjective well-being, and homophobia experienced by a sample of gay men from three cities in Chile / Características sociodemográficas, bem-estar subjetivo e homofobia em uma amostra de homens gays em três cidades chilenas

Este artículo describe y caracteriza sociodemográficamente a una muestra de hombres gay en tres ciudades de Chile. Además, describe sus niveles de homofobia y bienestar subjetivo. Mediante un muestreo en cadena tipo bola de nieve se encuestó a 325 hombres que se autodefinieron como gay. Entre los principales hallazgos se encontró altos niveles de discriminación y victimización percibida. Además en comparación con estudios similares efectuados en el país, los encuestados presentan niveles mayores de bienestar social. La edad de los encuestados aporta diferencias para los niveles de bienestar social y no para las otras medidas. También, las personas con estudios superiores reportan mayores niveles de victimización y un mayor impacto vital de las situaciones de discriminación. Asimismo, si bien las personas que residen en Santiago reportan un mayor impacto relativo de los hechos de agresión, presentan mejores niveles de bienestar social y felicidad en comparación a las personas que viven en otras regiones.

This article describes the socio-demographic characteristics of a sample of gay men in three cities in Chile, as well as experience with homophobia and subjective well-being. Snowball sampling was used to interview 325 gay men. The main findings included high levels of perceived discrimination and victimization, but interviewees reported higher levels of social well-being compared to studies elsewhere in the country. Age was related to differences in levels of social well-being, but not other variables. Individuals with university education reported higher levels of victimization and greater impact of discrimination on their lives. Gay men in Santiago reported a higher relative impact from incidents of aggression, but better levels of social well-being and happiness compared to those in other regions of Chile.

Este artigo descreve e caracteriza sociodemograficamente uma amostra de homens gay em três cidades do Chile, abordando também seus níveis de homofobia e bem-estar subjetivo. Por meio de uma amostra em série do tipo bola de neve foram entrevistados 325 homens autoidentificados como gay. Entre os principais achados evidenciaram-se altos níveis de discriminação e vitimização percebida, em comparação com estudos similares realizados no país. Os entrevistados apresentaram níveis maiores de bem-estar social. A idade dos entrevistados aporta diferenças para os níveis de bem-estar social e não para as outras medidas. As pessoas com estudos superiores reportam também maiores níveis de vitimização e um maior impacto vital das situações de discriminação. Adicionalmente, embora as pessoas que residem em Santiago reportem um maior impacto de agressões, eles apresentam melhores níveis de bem-estar social e felicidade em comparação com pessoas que moram em outras regiões.

"Situación de inmigración" de mujeres sudamericanas en chile: hacia un modelo comprensivo / "Estado de imigração" de mulheres da américa do sul no Chile: rumo a um modelo abrangente / "Immigration situation" of south american women in Chile: toward a comprehensive model

El objetivo de esta investigación fue conocer la situación de inmigración de mujeres sudamericanas en la región de Antofagasta (Chile) y construir un modelo teórico para su análisis. Las participantes de este estudio fueron 19 mujeres de entre 18 y 50 años, residentes en la ciudad de Antofagasta y provenientes de Perú, Bolivia y Colombia. Los principales hallazgos sugirieron un modelo dinámico, en el que se tensiona la identidad social y de género de las mujeres inmigrantes ante la búsqueda de coherencia dentro de sus espacios vitales. Advertimos en la interacción con la sociedad receptora, la imposición de nuevas categorías sociales a cambio de integración basada en la asimilación. No obstante, también se observan formas de resistencia frente a dicho proceso.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi determinar o estado de imigração de mulheres sul-americanas na região de Antofagasta (Chile) e construir um modelo teórico para a análise. Os participantes do estudo foram 19 mulheres entre 18 e 50 anos residentes na cidade de Antofagasta e provenientes do Peru, Bolívia e Colômbia. Os resultados sugerem um modelo dinâmico, que enfatiza a identidade social e de gênero das mulheres imigrantes à procura de coerência em seus hábitats. Notamos, na interação com a sociedade de acolhimento, a imposição de novas categorias sociais em troca de integração baseada na assimilação. No entanto, também existem formas de resistência a este processo.

The objective of this research was to know the immigration situation of South American women in the region of Antofagasta (Chile) and build a theoretical model for analysis. The study participants were 19 women between 18 and 50 years old, living in the Antofagasta city and from Peru, Bolivia and Colombia. The main findings suggested a dynamic model, which stresses the social and gender identity of women immigrants to the search for coherence in their life spaces. Furthermore, we noted in the interaction with the host society, the imposition of new social categories in exchange for assimilation and integration supported by uprooting. However, we also perceived in different dimensions, spaces of resistance to the rules of the host.