Identifier

etd-04262012-145658

Degree

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Department

Social Work

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Social workers in most professional practice settings will encounter young clients who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). It is therefore important that variables influencing levels of homophobia and transphobia among these workers be analyzed. In this study, the author sought to examine the attitudes and perceptions of social workers in Louisiana toward LGBT youth. These attitudes and perceptions were then compared to individual variables such as religion, previous training on sexual orientation and gender identity, and race. The Religious Commitment Inventory (RCI), Genderism and Transphobia Scale (GTS), and Heterosexual Attitudes Toward Homosexuals (HATH) scale were completed by 67 social workers attending a training focused on youth and trauma. Religious commitment along with race were found to correlate with homophobia and transphobia, and there were significant mean differences between those who desired more training and those who did not on the variables of field and race. These findings are discussed in the context of previous research, and limitations and implications are presented.

Date

2012

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Allen, Priscilla

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.676

Included in

Social Work Commons

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