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Examining the Relationship Between Eating Difficulties and Sexuality, in Transgender and Gender Non-conforming Youth and Young Adults.

Name of author: Miss Molly Cross

Affiliation: University of East Anglia (UEA)

Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology (ClinPsyD) Department of Clinical Psychology, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ

Who can take part?

We are interested in recruiting individuals who:

  • Are 16-30 years old,
  • Are currently living in the UK,
  • Are currently experiencing eating-related difficulties or have a diagnosed eating disorder, and
  • Self-identify as transgender or gender non-conforming (including, but not limited to, gender fluid and non-binary).

All the above need to apply to you, otherwise you are not eligible to take part in the study.

What is the purpose of the research?

We are interested in whether there might be a relationship between eating difficulties and sexuality, within those who identify as transgender and/or gender non-conforming. We define sexuality as a broad concept – including sexual thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and attractions towards other people. We are also keen to find out whether anything impacts on this relationship, such as body image and gender dysphoria. We hope that this research can help us to understand and better support transgender and gender non-conforming individuals with such difficulties.

What does the study involve?

Once agreeing to take part, you will be asked to complete an online survey which involves a small number of questionnaires. You can use your phone, tablet, or computer to complete these. You will have as much time as you need to complete these, but we predict it may take around 15-30 minutes to complete all questionnaires. You can pause and come back to the survey at any time if you’d like to complete it in smaller time periods – do this by clicking the “Finish later” button. Your answers will only be submitted once you finish the survey.

The questionnaires will ask you for information about yourself, your thoughts and behaviours around eating and sexuality, and your feelings towards your body and your gender identity. If applicable, you will also be asked a few questions about any experiences you might have had receiving support for an eating disorder.

There are no right or wrong answers and so we would appreciate your openness when completing the questionnaires. Once you’ve finished the survey, you will be given an option to provide your email address if you’d like to 1) be entered into our prize draw to win one of five £20 Amazon vouchers as a thank you for your time, and/or 2) receive a summary of the study results once findings have been written up.

How can someone take part?

To take part, or if you are considering taking part and would like some more information about the project, please follow this link: https://uea.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/relationship-between-eating-difficulties-and-sexuality