Introduction: Bandura’s social-cognitive theory emphasizes the role of agency, identifying modeling as a key mechanism through which learning occurs. This process is particularly relevant to the development of adaptive and prosocial behaviors. Trans and nonbinary (TNB) people, as members of the LGBTQ+ community, may engage in specific prosocial behaviors aimed at creating resources and support for individuals stigmatized based on gender and/or sexuality (e.g., activism). Previous research has highlighted generativity within queer communities, yet no studies have specifically investigated how agency manifests among TNB individuals. Objectives: This study qualitatively explored whether and how TNB people express agency, hypothesizing an intentional drive to act upon their environment to create better conditions for the LGBTQ+ community. Method: A set of open-ended questions was administered, with informed consent, to TNB individuals who accessed the “Be as you are” clinical center at the Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome. Responses were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Participants were 49 TNB individuals (M age = 25.49; SD age = 7.23; 41% trans women, 37% trans men, 22% nonbinary people). Results: Two main dimensions emerged from the thematic analysis: (1) queer self-reflection, expressed through the desire to encourage, inspire, help, and serve as a positive role model for other LGBTQ+ people; and (2) queer prosociality, manifested through professional and activist activities aimed at supporting the broader LGBTQ+ community. Acts of help and inspiration were often expressed through educational initiatives and the creation of community-oriented services fostering shared experiences and vicarious learning. Narratives showed how modeling and personal testimony can become tools of empowerment and support within LGBTQ+ communities. Implications: The findings provide empirical insight into Bandura’s social-cognitive theory by exploring the specific forms of agency enacted by TNB individuals. They also suggest clinical and psychosocial interventions that enhance and sustain such expressions of agency both within and beyond LGBTQ+ communities.
Agents of Change: Self-Reflection and Queer Prosociality among Trans and Nonbinary People / Rosati, Fau; Baiocco, Roberto; Gregori, Fulvio; Micoli, Andrea; Pistella, Jessica. - (2025). ( L’eredità umana e scientifica di Albert Bandura a cento anni dalla nascita. La forza delle convinzioni, il coraggio del cambiamento. Roma ).
Agents of Change: Self-Reflection and Queer Prosociality among Trans and Nonbinary People
Fau RosatiPrimo
;Roberto BaioccoSecondo
;Fulvio Gregori;Andrea MicoliPenultimo
;Jessica PistellaUltimo
2025
Abstract
Introduction: Bandura’s social-cognitive theory emphasizes the role of agency, identifying modeling as a key mechanism through which learning occurs. This process is particularly relevant to the development of adaptive and prosocial behaviors. Trans and nonbinary (TNB) people, as members of the LGBTQ+ community, may engage in specific prosocial behaviors aimed at creating resources and support for individuals stigmatized based on gender and/or sexuality (e.g., activism). Previous research has highlighted generativity within queer communities, yet no studies have specifically investigated how agency manifests among TNB individuals. Objectives: This study qualitatively explored whether and how TNB people express agency, hypothesizing an intentional drive to act upon their environment to create better conditions for the LGBTQ+ community. Method: A set of open-ended questions was administered, with informed consent, to TNB individuals who accessed the “Be as you are” clinical center at the Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome. Responses were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Participants were 49 TNB individuals (M age = 25.49; SD age = 7.23; 41% trans women, 37% trans men, 22% nonbinary people). Results: Two main dimensions emerged from the thematic analysis: (1) queer self-reflection, expressed through the desire to encourage, inspire, help, and serve as a positive role model for other LGBTQ+ people; and (2) queer prosociality, manifested through professional and activist activities aimed at supporting the broader LGBTQ+ community. Acts of help and inspiration were often expressed through educational initiatives and the creation of community-oriented services fostering shared experiences and vicarious learning. Narratives showed how modeling and personal testimony can become tools of empowerment and support within LGBTQ+ communities. Implications: The findings provide empirical insight into Bandura’s social-cognitive theory by exploring the specific forms of agency enacted by TNB individuals. They also suggest clinical and psychosocial interventions that enhance and sustain such expressions of agency both within and beyond LGBTQ+ communities.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
