Factors associated with communication preferences in transgender and/or gender-diverse individuals – a survey study

Introduction

As communication should be adapted to the individual, the aim of this study was to explore possible factors related to communication preferences in transgender and/or gender-diverse individuals.

Methods

A survey study was conducted in September 2022. Communication preferences were assessed using the CommTrans questionnaire, which included two scales: emotional resonance and gender-related communication. Additionally, we assessed gender, age, relationship status, number of self-reported minorities, health literacy, mental health, and own communication style. Analyses were conducted using multiple linear regression analyses.

Results

A total of 223 individuals completed the survey, of whom 139 (58.2 %) identified as non-binary. Participants valued emotional resonance moderately high (Mean.: 70.6; SD.: 19.5) and gender-related preferences in the middle range (Mean 57.4; SD.: 27.2). As regards emotional resonance, not identifying with a minority was associated with a lower importance of doctors’ response to patients emotions. Furthermore, having a self-confident communication style as a transgender and/or gender-diverse individual was related to a lower perceived importance in gender-related communication, while identifying as non-binary was related with a greater importance.

Conclusion

Our findings might help to expand doctors’ knowledge, and thus help them to provide patient-centered care for transgender and/or gender-diverse individuals.