Abstract

Historically, transgender individuals have faced varying levels of systematic discrimination, harassment, and violence based on their gender identity. The standard method that jails and prisons incarcerate inmates is based on assessing female versus male genitals. Transgender inmates challenge the protocols of jails and prisons because of their gender variance. These inmates, who have no power, query how places of reform treat the most vulnerable when they are marginalized by peers and those in positions of authority. Consequently, the disregard that the prison system imposes by not offering other ways to assess transgender inmates poses a risk to them that other inmates do not experience. This systematic review aimed to add to the scholarly literature and to aid policymakers, prison personnel, medical doctors, psychologists, and others in positions of authority to make informed decisions concerning the vulnerable population of transgender prison inmates. This systematic review utilized an integrative approach in an analysis of both quantitative and qualitative studies to create a comprehensive summary and synthesis of existing literature that addresses the research questions (RQs). This search yielded 16 sources that met inclusion criteria. Findings revealed various themes under each RQ and suggested that safety and violence were the most prevalent underlying themes in all publications.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Gender transition--Hormone therapy--United States; Transgender people--United States--Prisons

Date of Award

2024

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Psychology

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Shelly Harrell

Included in

Psychology Commons

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