Creating a Trans-Affirmative Assessment Practice

Megan Wolff, MA & Natasha Gouge, PhD

Citation

Wolff, M., Gouge, N. (2023). Creating a Trans-Affirmative Assessment Practice. J Health Serv Psychol 49(3), 121–128. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42843-023-00090-z

Abstract

Neuropsychological assessments can have marked impacts on individuals because outcomes directly inform interventions, medication management, and accommodation services. Higher level psychological assessments have a tremendous amount of empirical backing and standardized norms; however, they often rely on gender-based norms, resulting in problems with translating findings to nonbinary examinees. Research and guidance are currently lacking on how to translate binary gender-normed assessments to be inclusive of transgender and gender diverse clients. Until more inclusive assessments are extensively studied and normed, clinicians need a process to use current materials while incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion. The following includes recommendations for creating a trans-affirmative assessment practice, including measure selection and interpretation and how to provide gender diverse clients with a respectful and supportive assessment environment.

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