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Ezra N. S. Lockhart, Easy Does It Counseling, United StatesAbstract
This pilot study evaluates a novel brief, manualized therapy designed to enhance transgender acceptance within conservative Christian families in the USA, specifically within the context of Baptist religious beliefs. By integrating Jay Haley’s Strategic Family Therapy model, a brief and strategic approach, with principles of cultural humility, this therapy addresses the unique challenges encountered by transgender individuals in these family systems. The study employed a mixed-methods research design, combining both quantitative and qualitative analyses, including pre- and post-assessments and follow-up interviews, to assess the therapy’s effectiveness. Six 90-minute sessions were delivered via teletherapy, with a clear plan outlined in the manual, ensuring consistency and fidelity across sessions. Key techniques include reframing, symptom prescription, paradoxical interventions, and family bonding activities—each tailored to promote empathy, understanding, and positive change in family structure and dynamics. Cultural humility was prioritized through an approach centered on active listening and respect, ensuring an understanding of the family’s religious and cultural contexts while incorporating core values such as love, unity, and respect. Both subtle and intensive interventions were then used to challenge restrictive religious views that undermine transgender acceptance. Quantitative results showed significant improvements in family cohesion, emotional regulation, and coping strategies, measured by the Closeness Scale and Brief COPE Scale. Qualitative findings corroborated these outcomes, highlighting increased family acceptance and strengthened relationships. Follow-up assessments conducted three months post-therapy indicated the sustainability of these changes, suggesting the intervention’s long-term impact, with positive effects persisting for at least three months. This study contributes to the development of culturally responsive therapies and underscores the importance of respecting religious values while challenging restrictive ideologies in promoting transgender liberation within religiously conservative family systems. Future research is needed to explore the broader applicability of this therapy across diverse cultural and religious contexts.
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Conference: ACP2025Stream: Qualitative/Quantitative Research in any other area of Psychology
This paper is part of the ACP2025 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Lockhart E. (2025) Measuring the Impact of Manualized Therapy on Transgender Acceptance in Baptist Families: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study on Family Cohesion and Coping ISSN: 2187-4743 – The Asian Conference on Psychology & the Behavioral Sciences 2025 Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 97-116) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2187-4743.2025.8
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2187-4743.2025.8
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