Exploring minority stress in gender-diverse populations

Section A: This section is a systematic literature review of empirical research exploring type and extent of social and legal transitions and their relationship with mental health and social wellbeing. The review included thirteen quantitative and one qualitative study. Most studies were published within the last five years, all within the last nine, demonstrating the relevance and importance of research in transgender and gender-diverse populations. The review highlighted numerous methodological challenges to researching such a diverse population with varying experiences. Clinical, policy and research implications are discussed.

Section B: This section details a cross-sectional survey exploring gender identity-related minority stress and wellbeing in adolescents referred to a gender identity clinic in the UK. The internal consistency of an adapted measure of gender identity minority stress for adolescents is reviewed, with the measure demonstrating good internal consistency. On average, participants reported experience of 17 out of the 54 minority stressors assessed. The most commonly reported minority stressors related to negative expectations from others, internalised transphobia and transnegative communication from others. Statistical analyses found no significant differences in gender identity minority stress between minority and majority groups. Intersectionality is explored alongside clinical implications, limitations and future research.