Development of a Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Language Self-Efficacy Scale for Social Service Providers Working With Older Adults

Abstract

There is consensus that providers who work with transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) older adults should use the language preferred by the older adult; however, assessment tools to document professional training efforts are lacking. This study presents data on a new TGNC Language Self-Efficacy Scale, using responses collected from employees and volunteers of area agencies on aging (AAA) across the United States (N = 155). Exploratory factor analysis supports a two-factor model: Interactions and Information subscales significantly correlated with knowledge of TGNC terminology, genderism and transphobia, gender role beliefs, beliefs about gender and gender identity, and attitudes toward lesbians and gay men. Future directions include additional measurement development work and replication of these findings outside of AAAs.