Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Jerrod Brown

Abstract

Although Internet use can be helpful, it can also be a toxic environment, especially toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Researchers have demonstrated that cyberbullying victimization can affect anyone; however, very few analyze these experiences by gender identity. The focus of this qualitative study was to understand the experiences of harassment that gender-minority individuals encounter in an online environment. Data included in-depth interviews with 14 transgender or nonbinary adults. Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), participants were asked to share their experiences with navigating on social media and the impact of what cyberbullying means to them. The theory that supported this study was the minority stress theory (MST). Central themes are detailed, including harassment issues, adverse reactions to cyberbullying, utilizing humor in response to bullying, and anonymity and cyberbullying. Additional themes reviewed include lack of online safety, educating the public, empathic concern for others, and how cyberbully victims have maintained or developed resilience. The results may lead to possible improvements in policy, research, and service development by promoting safety and awareness among this minority population. If society better understands how transgender individuals experience cyberbullying, preventative factors could be developed, meaning that the transgender community would be better protected. Developing a greater understanding of the participant's experiences can promote awareness of cyberbullying and the crimes associated with it; thus, contributing to positive social change.

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