Authors: Hird, K., Strauss, P., Hasking, P. & Boyes, M.
Date of publication: 2025
Journal: International Journal of Transgender Health
Summary: Non suicidal self-injury (NSSI) such as cutting, burning or hitting oneself, is particularly common among transgender youth. This may be due to the increased stressors experienced (bullying, discrimination, abuse, employment/housing difficulties) as well as their poorer mental health outcomes when compared to their cisgender peers.
The authors of this Australian study administered an online survey to 923 transgender young people aged 14-25 which included measures of NSSI history and frequency, transphobic experiences, body surveillance, body dissatisfaction, and gender dysphoria. For this study, the authors have applied the pantheoretical framework of dehumanisation, which explains how stigma, discrimination and objectification can lead to dehumanisation and poorer mental health outcomes.
The results of the study suggest that the unique stressors experienced by transgender young people may explain the high prevalence of NSSI among transgender young people. The NSSI is used not only to cope with feelings of dysphoria, but also to alter gendered body parts to decrease gender-specific distress.
You can read the full study here
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