Exploring Attitudes Toward Transgender Individuals: The Prediction of Transphobia and Gender-Bashing in Adults

Abstract

Because transphobia has a negative impact on the mental and physical health of its victims, most studies of transphobia have focused on the victims rather than the people who perpetuate it. In light of this, the present study analyzes the significance of various sociodemographic characteristics in perpetrators of transphobia/genderism and gender bashing. It also aims to determine the role of decision-making styles, religiosity, empathy, verbal and physical aggressiveness, anger, and hostility in predicting transphobia/genderism and gender bashing. The sample consisted of 333 adults (69.1% women) between 18 and 65 years of age from Spain. The results reveal a greater presence of transphobia in males and heterosexuals, although age and political ideology do not seem to play a major role. Furthermore, the main predictors of transphobia are religiosity, physical aggressiveness, verbal aggressiveness, and affective empathy, while the main predictors of gender bashing are transphobia and physical aggressiveness. These results confirm the importance of religiosity and aggressiveness in explaining discrimination and harassment towards trans people; consequently, the study concludes by asserting that tackling both aspects is key to the prevention of transphobia and gender bashing.