Authors: Russell, S. T., Pollitt, A. M., Li, G., & Grossman, A. H.
Date of publication: 2018
Journal: The Journal of Adolescent Health
Summary: This US study looked at the relationship between the use of a gender diverse young person’s chosen name and their mental health amongst 129 gender diverse young people aged 15-21 years. The researchers used the use of the chosen name as an indicator that a young person’s gender identity was being supported. They examined use across four contexts (at home, at school, at work, with friends) and how this was associated with depression, suicidal thoughts and suicidal behaviour. They controlled for other factors that might be significant (e.g. age) and found that chosen name use in more contexts was associated with lower depression, suicidal thinking, and suicidal behaviour. Depression, suicidal thinking, and suicidal behaviour were lowest when chosen names could be used in all four contexts. The researchers recommended that friends, parents, teachers, health care providers, and education and medical institutions could support the mental health of gender diverse young people by using their chosen name.
You can read the full study here
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