Socio-demographics, Happiness, Flourishing, and Life Satisfaction among Transgenders

Page: 351-361
Sundharraj Gokilapriya and Narayanan Annalakshmi (Department of Psychology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu)

The present study is aimed at examining the association between socio-demographic factors and positive psychological outcomes among transgenders. A convenient sample of 330 transwomen in the age group 18 to 55 years were recruited from different regions of a mid-sized city in South India. The participants completed self-reported measures of happiness, PERMA, and life satisfaction. The socio-demographic details were collected using a personal data sheet. One-way ANOVA and correlational analysis were carried out to analyze the data. Those from the Madurai district had higher levels of happiness, flourishing, and life satisfaction than those from other districts. Those who does not want to disclose their community had higher levels of happiness than those belonging to the BC category. Those belonging to FC/OC category had higher levels of life satisfaction than those belonging to the BC category. Those who completed under graduation had higher levels of happiness and flourishing than those who completed middle school level of education. Those who were single had higher life satisfaction than those who had a relationship. Transgenders who had contact with their biological family and the trans association had greater happiness than those who had no contact. Those who lived with the transgender community had scored high on flourishing than those who lived with the family of choice. The age of becoming aware of their gender identity was negatively correlated with life satisfaction. Income was negatively correlated with happiness and life satisfaction. Socio-demographic factors also play a pivotal role in influencing the positive psychological outcomes in transgenders. The findings are discussed with implications for future research, practice, and policy making.