Speech-Language Pathologist and Graduate Student Perceived Self-Efficacy in Providing Services to Individuals Who Are Transgender

Abstract

Purpose: Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) express hesitation when working with clients who are transgender, although the underlying reason is currently unclear. Educational and clinical experiences, or lack thereof, with the transgender population may contribute to this hesitation and impact the quality of service delivery. To address the shortcomings in the literature related to service delivery practices, as well as knowledge about best practices and self-efficacy, a survey of graduate students and SLPs nationwide was completed. Methods: A survey was created to include self-efficacy measures, knowledge ratings about transgender services, and two validated surveys, the AATMW and SE-12. Data were analyzed using independent sample t-tests, a regression analysis, frequency counts, and qualitative analysis. Results: Practicing speech-language pathologists had greater perceived self-efficacy, less bias, knew about and provided a variety of evidence-based services, and served multiple transgender clients compared to their graduate student counterparts. At the same time, graduate students knew about and provided a variety of evidence based-services, even though they served fewer transgender clients. Conclusion: This study provides a starting point for future research regarding how knowledge, experience, and soft skills impact service delivery for those who are transgender.