Peer-reviewed work released on SocSci

My co-author, Jamie Agapoff, and myself have recently published a peer-reviewed piece for the journal, Social Sciences.

Abstract

Risk and loss aversion are key forms of behavioral decision-making describing how people weigh potential gains and losses. Although most of the literature on risk and loss aversion comes from the field of behavioral economics, these concepts are applicable to complex medical decision making, especially when those decisions are shaped by sociopolitical factors as in gender transitions. For clinicians providing gender-affirming care, discussions of risk and loss aversion can support the informed consent process by reducing “noise” that may obscure gender identity and embodiment goals and delay critical decisions. Using this framework and understanding the impact of oppositional sexism and the gender binary can help clinicians understand why their clients might be hesitant to transition and how they can help affirm their client’s gender identity while supporting their transition goals. This approach is especially helpful when working with individuals who undergo transition in later life who may be struggling to overcome tacit assumptions about sex and gender identity that stand in the way of pursuing gender-affirming care.

Thanks to my lovely co-author, the reviewers of our work, and to Fran Mulcahy for agreeing to have her voice included in the piece.

Stapleton, E. Diane, and Jamie D. Agapoff. 2026. "Managing Risk Aversion & Loss Aversion in Later Life Gender Transitions" Social Sciences 15, no. 5: 291. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15050291