Predicting physical activity engagement in treatment seeking transgender people

It has been established that transgender people engage in less physical activity then cisgender people. Several psychosocial factors have been found to be important in explaining physical (in)activity within the cisgender... [ view full abstract ]

It has been established that transgender people engage in less physical activity then cisgender people. Several psychosocial factors have been found to be important in explaining physical (in)activity within the cisgender population, but to date no study has explored psychosocial factors that may be associated with physical (in)activity within the transgender population. Establishing which factors predict physical activity, and in turn promote physical activity engagement, is vital considering the established health and well-being of benefits physical activity.

To determine which psychosocial factors (depression, anxiety, transphobia, body dissatisfaction, self-esteem) predict physical activity engagement among treatment seeking transgender people. [ view full abstract ]

To determine which psychosocial factors (depression, anxiety, transphobia, body dissatisfaction, self-esteem) predict physical activity engagement among treatment seeking transgender people.

In 2015/2016 a large sample of transgender people (N=322) was recruited from a transgender health service within the United Kingdom. The main outcome measure assessed physical activity engagement over a weekly basis. Levels of... [ view full abstract ]

In 2015/2016 a large sample of transgender people (N=322) was recruited from a transgender health service within the United Kingdom. The main outcome measure assessed physical activity engagement over a weekly basis. Levels of depression, anxiety and body dissatisfaction, transphobic experiences, and self-esteem were explored as potential predictor variables of physical activity.

Physical activity [ view full abstract ]

Physical activity

Overall, high self-esteem was found to predict physical activity within the studied sample of transgender people. Additionally, people who had taken cross-sex hormones were more likely to engage in a greater level of physical... [ view full abstract ]

Overall, high self-esteem was found to predict physical activity within the studied sample of transgender people. Additionally, people who had taken cross-sex hormones were more likely to engage in a greater level of physical activity compared to participants who had not. In the group that had taken cross-sex hormones, greater satisfaction with overall appearance was found to increase physical activity engagement. Levels of depression and anxiety, and transphobic experiences did not significantly predict transgender people’s engagement with physical activity.

For transgender people who are yet to start their medical transition (e.g., cross-sex hormones), increasing self-esteem is important in relation to promoting physical activity. In transgender people who are being prescribed... [ view full abstract ]

For transgender people who are yet to start their medical transition (e.g., cross-sex hormones), increasing self-esteem is important in relation to promoting physical activity. In transgender people who are being prescribed cross-sex hormones, increasing body satisfaction (e.g., psychotherapy, gender confirming surgery), and in turn physical activity behaviour, is vital for both physical and mental well-being.