When I did my Psychology undergrad here, I said I never wanted to do research because I\u2019m an aspiring Clinical Psychologist. I never had a burning passion for any particular area of my degree. I just knew I loved clinical psychology and wanted to help people.<\/p>\n
Then came my Masters, I met a transman friend the summer before, and I started getting interested in transgender individuals. I didn\u2019t realise at the time, part of my interest stemmed from I was trans myself, but I didn\u2019t know the language to describe what I had always felt.<\/p>\n
My Masters gave me a chance to research a clinical population I was interested in, because I knew there were a lot of negative mental health outcomes for transgender individuals. Not because of them or something being \u201cwrong\u201d with them. That isn\u2019t true at all. Instead, the negative outcomes come from societal and social factors typically more than the gender dysphoria itself.<\/p>\n
This is why supporting trans people, affirming their gender identity and just being a good human being is so important.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why I research transgender mental health through how Chosen Names (so how using a name that reflects your gender identity) and wearing gender-wearing clothing improves mental health. I have compassion for trans people considering how demonised, discriminated, and targeted they are in the media for no fault of their own. Trans people just want to live their lives in peace and have their gender on the outside reflect how they feel on the inside.<\/p>\n
My research, my exploration of my own gender as non-binary and continuing to meet so many amazing trans people inspired me to keep researching and supporting trans people. I want to produce good, high-quality research that can make a positive impact on their lives. Since that\u2019s the point of clinical psychology and my results have given me hope.<\/p>\n
Hope for a better future where trans people can get more support, understanding and acceptance.<\/p>\n
And that\u2019s because of a passion for research, so if you have a passion you want to explore, don\u2019t deny it.<\/p>\n
Express it, enjoy it and carry it out. You never know where it\u2019s going to lead you on your postgrad journey.<\/p>\n
GradPost article written by Octavia Whiteley.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When I did my Psychology undergrad here, I said I never wanted to do research because I\u2019m an aspiring Clinical Psychologist. I never had a burning passion for any particular area of my degree. I just knew I loved clinical psychology and wanted to help people. Then came my Masters, I met a transman friend … Continue reading GradPost Article: Research Compassion, Inspires and Hope by Octavia Whiteley<\/span>