Social Sciences

This study examines how societal heteronormative norms influence interactions involving transgender individuals, offering insights into identity formation and mental health. Understanding how societal heteronormative norms shape interactions involving transgender individuals is crucial to the attainment of public health goals related to addressing societal barriers, such as stigma, and promoting mental health. Interviews were conducted at a university in the Southwest United States with 11 self-identified transgender individuals, focusing on three main questions: How do you feel when you interact with someone who does not conform to heteronormative gender roles? When you meet somebody who doesn’t conform to heteronormative gender roles does that cause you to question your own gender identity. Does your body have to match your gender identity? Directed content analysis revealed a divided phenomenon. While some participants experienced discomfort due to societal scrutiny, safety issues concerns, and heightened visibility, others found empowerment and validation in these interactions, affirming their identities and fostering a sense of belonging. Yet another finding pointed to the role of embodiment and lived experiences, highlighting contrasting views on body harmony congruence: some participants prioritized physical alignment for societal acceptance, while others valued internal authenticity over external validation. This underscores the tension between personal agency and societal expectations in shaping gender identity. The study contributes to transidentity-theoretical literature by addressing the diverse outcomes resulting from the copresence of discomfort versus empowerment, internalized stigma, and the interplay of self-perception with societal norms. Clinical implications point to the need for inclusive spaces, supportive interventions, and mental health resources to assist trans individuals in navigating these challenges.

(1) Background: Criminogenic cognitions can influence criminal behavior and recidivism. The validation of the Criminogenic Cognitions Scale (CCS) within the cultural and social context of Romanian offenders, along with an understanding of their profiles, is essential for the development of effective rehabilitation. (2) Methods: The CCS was administered to 460 inmates across eight Romanian prisons, with the respondents having a mean age of 39.23 (SD 10.36; range 21–71). Data were analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and the Kruskal–Wallis test. (3) Results: The Non-Acceptance of Responsibility (FAR) subscale had the highest internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.707), followed by Notions of Entitlement (NOE) (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.683). The Negative Attitudes Toward Authority (NATA) subscale was considered valid with caution (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.529). The highest FAR scores were observed among inmates convicted of sexual offenses, those who were widowed, and those with lower education levels. Higher scores were recorded on all scales for inmates who identified as drug users and those who perceived their punishment as unjust (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: The CCS is valid in the Romanian context, and the variability of criminogenic cognitions based on education level, type of offense, and perception of punishment should be considered when implementing rehabilitative measures.

This study explores how social innovation and multi-level governance (MLG) can enhance regional resilience and help overcome the Middle-Income Trap (MIT) through cooperative, community-driven strategies. Focusing on Hungarian self-governments, it examines twinning partnerships—formal relationships between settlements—as potential catalysts of social innovation and regional cohesion. A nationwide questionnaire survey (Number of settlements surveyed: 409; representative by settlement type) conducted between 2024 and 2025 evaluated the motivations, intensity and impacts of these partnerships. The findings reveal that intraethnic twinning networks are more socially active and locally grounded, strengthening community identity and civic participation, even though they provide limited direct economic benefits. By fostering trust, collaboration, and cross-border interaction, these partnerships act as effective platforms for social innovation, supporting more inclusive and territorially integrated development across Central and Eastern Europe.