Impacts of Strong Parental Support for Trans Youth: A report prepared for Children’s Aid Society of Toronto and Delisle Youth Services, Prepared by Trans PULSE

This report examines the health impacts of parental support on transgender youth aged 16 to 24 in Ontario, highlighting the importance of acceptance for well-being. ​

To download the PDF version of the full article, see below.

BEST- Impacts-of-Strong-Parental-Support-for-Trans-Youth-vFINAL.pdf

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Summary:

Purpose of the Report ​

• The report aims to provide preliminary data on how parental support affects the health and well-being of trans youth in Ontario. ​

• It addresses the lack of research on family acceptance and its implications for trans youth, particularly in relation to mental health outcomes. ​

Data Collection and Analysis

• Data were gathered from 433 trans participants through internet and paper surveys, focusing on health-related measures and psychosocial factors. ​

• The study included 123 trans youth, with 84 having socially transitioned and reported parental support levels. ​

• Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used to recruit participants, ensuring a representative sample of the trans community. ​

Parental Support Findings ​

• Approximately 34% of trans youth reported having very supportive parents, while 67% indicated their parents were not strongly supportive. ​

• Strong parental support correlates with positive health outcomes, including higher life satisfaction, better mental health, and higher self-esteem. ​

• Trans youth with supportive parents reported significantly higher satisfaction with life (72% vs. 33%) and better mental health (70% vs. 15%). ​

Mental Health and Suicide Risk

• Parental support significantly impacts mental health, with only 23% of youth with supportive parents reporting depressive symptoms compared to 75% of those without support. ​

• Consideration of suicide was reported by 35% of youth with supportive parents, while 60% of those without support considered suicide, with 57% attempting it. ​

• The data indicate a 93% reduction in suicide attempts among youth with strong parental support. ​

Housing and Food Security

• All youth with supportive parents reported adequate housing, while only 45% of those without support did. ​

• A higher percentage of youth with supportive parents reported having enough food (92% vs. 82%), although this difference was not statistically significant. ​

Implications of Findings

• The findings underscore the critical role of parental support in promoting the health and well-being of trans youth. ​

• Strong parental support is linked to reduced risk factors, including depression and suicidal behavior, highlighting the need for parents to provide robust support. ​

• Parents may require their own support systems to effectively support their trans children, as navigating these dynamics can be challenging. ​

Recommendations for Stakeholders

• Parents and caregivers should seek resources and support to better understand and support their trans children. ​

• Schools and service providers must recognize the risks faced by unsupportive families and ensure that trans youth receive adequate support in educational and social settings. ​

• Policy-makers should develop resources and training for service providers to address the unique needs of trans youth and their families. ​

  
  

Conclusion

• The report emphasizes the urgent need for increased awareness and resources for both trans youth and their families. ​

• It advocates for a supportive environment that fosters acceptance and understanding, ultimately improving the health outcomes for trans youth in Ontario. ​

• The findings underscore the need for a collaborative effort among families, communities, and policymakers to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for transgender individuals. ​

• Reference:

Robb Travers, PhD; Greta Bauer, PhD, MPH; Jake Pyne, MSW; Kaitlin Bradley, MSc, for the Trans PULSE team; Lorraine Gale, MSW, for Children’s Aid Society of Toronto; and Maria Papadimitriou, MSc, MPH, for Delisle Youth Services, October 2, 2012.