Authors: McGregor, K., Rana, V., McKenna, J, L., Williams, C, R., Vu & Boskey, E, R.
Date of publication: 2024
Journal: Journal Of Adolescent Health
Summary: This US study explored what impact a family’s positive or negative support towards a transgender young person had on their mental health. 175 transgender young people aged 13-18 years old were assessed via interviews and self-report questionnaires.
The researchers found that when young people experienced positive family support such as using affirmed name and pronouns, advocating for safety and inclusion, facilitating access to gender-affirming care, open communication and supporting gender expression they experienced lower levels of suicidal ideation, suicidality, depression and substance use. Conversely, when youth experienced negative support such as exclusion and abuse, trying to change the young persons gender and believing that gender expression is morally wrong, they not only experienced worse mental health outcomes, but also reduced self-acceptance and increased internalized transphobia.
Families have a crucial contribution to make in the psychosocial wellbeing of transgender young people and healthcare providers must support families in order to facilitate the mental wellbeing of TGD youth.
You can read a summary only of the study here
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