학술논문

A Qualitative Exploration of How Transgender and Non-Binary Adolescents Define and Identify Supports
Document Type
Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Author
Tanvi N. Shah (ORCID 0000-0003-2374-4953); Katharine B. ParodiMelissa K. Holt (ORCID 0000-0002-0343-0183); Jennifer Greif GreenSabra L. Katz-WiseAidan D. Kraus (ORCID 0000-0001-7118-0385); Grace S. Kim (ORCID 0000-0001-6993-5996); Yujie Ji
Source
Journal of Adolescent Research. 2024 39(1):133-164.
Subject
LGBTQ People
Sexual Identity
Adolescents
Social Support Groups
Well Being
Family Influence
Peer Influence
Policy
Social Bias
Social Justice
Resilience (Psychology)
Mental Health
School Personnel
Resources
Language
English
ISSN
0743-5584
1552-6895
Abstract
This qualitative study explored how 249 transgender and non-binary (TNB) adolescents (ages 14-18) described salient supports in their lives, and ways in which key social-ecological contexts could better support TNB adolescents' wellbeing. Participants were recruited through social media, and completed online surveys; all study procedures were approved by the Boston University Institutional Review Board. Most (84.7%) participants identified as White, and as sexual minorities (96.4%). Modified consensual qualitative research (CQR-M) methods were used to examine TNB adolescents' responses to two questions: "In your life, which people, if any, would you describe as most supportive, and why?" and "What can individuals/groups within families, schools, and communities do to best support the well-being of transgender and non-binary adolescents?" Results indicated that the most common source of support for TNB participants was peers, followed by family members. Participants also highlighted the centrality of supportive environments that offer access to resources, as well as support derived through policies and practices that reduce stigma. Collectively, results have implications for how individuals and systems can foster wellbeing among TNB adolescents.