Digital Literacy for Resistance: Implications for Affirming Practice With Rural TNB Youth and Their Families

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Abstract

Rural trans and nonbinary (TNB) youth face a paradoxical mental health challenge. They increasingly must rely on social media for support and community, but online forums pose a significant risk to young people's mental health and social well-being. The broad accessibility, user anonymity, and group dynamics on social media tend to amplify bullying and violent speech. The authors examine the clinical and ethical challenges rural mental health providers (MHPs) face, such as navigating complex, ever-increasing state and federal laws and policies affecting TNB youth; operating as specialists in service deserts; and balancing ethical obligations with client safety. We propose a therapy intervention model called Digital Literacy for Resistance (DLR) that integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) tools with digital literacy strategies to empower rural TNB youth and their families.

Continuing Education Information

1 CE Credit, Instructional Level: Intermediate

1 Contact Hour (New York Board of Psychology)

Learning Objectives:

  1. Discuss the risks and benefits of trans youth engaging in social media for social support and community.
  2. Identify clinical and ethical challenges that rural mental health providers face when working with sensitive populations, such as TNB youth.
  3. Explain the rationale for the Digital Literacy for Resistance (DLR) model.

Disclosures: No conflicts of interest to disclose. Generative AI was not used in the development or content.

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CE Disclaimers

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The National Register of Health Service Psychologists is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0010

Knutson et al.

Douglas Knutson, PhD, LHSP, ABPP (he/him/his), is the Myron Ledbetter/Bob Lemon Counseling Psychology Diversity associate professor and Director of Clinical Training in the Counseling Psychology program at Oklahoma State University. His clinical work and research focus on the design and delivery of affirmative interventions for trans and nonbinary populations.

Jules Soper, MS, is a doctoral candidate in Counseling Psychology at Oklahoma State University and Associate Researcher in the Health, Education, and Rural Empowerment Lab. Their clinical and research areas focus on social determinants of LGBTQ+ health and well-being. 

Rosemary Avance, PhD (she/her/hers), is Assistant Professor of Strategic Communication in the School of Media & Strategic Communications and Chair of the College of Arts & Sciences Equity Advocates Council at Oklahoma State University. Dr. Avance teaches and researches news and information access, especially among disenfranchised or marginalized groups. 

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