Gender Felt Pressure, Affective Domains, and Mental Health Outcomes among Transgender and Gender Diverse (TGD) Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review with Developmental and Clinical Implications

Selene Mezzalira, Cristiano Scandurra, Fabrizio Mezza, Marina Miscioscia, Marco Innamorati and Vincenzo Bochicchio ()
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Selene Mezzalira: Department of Humanities, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
Cristiano Scandurra: Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences, and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
Fabrizio Mezza: SInAPSi Center, University of Naples Federico II, 80133 Naples, Italy
Marina Miscioscia: Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
Marco Innamorati: Department of History, Cultural Heritage, Education, and Society, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Vincenzo Bochicchio: Department of Humanities, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 20, issue 1, 1-25

Abstract: Although capable of mobilizing significant resilience factors to face stigma and discrimination, transgender and gender diverse (TGD) children and adolescents tend to suffer from more adverse mental health outcomes compared to their cisgender counterparts. The minority stressors that this population faces are mainly due to the gender-based pressure to conform to their assigned gender. This systematic review was aimed at assessing the potential mental health issues that affect the TGD population. The literature search was conducted in three databases; namely, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, based on the PRISMA guidelines. The 33 articles included in the systematic review pointed out how TGD children and adolescents experience high levels of anxiety and depression, as well as other emotional and behavioral problems, such as eating disorders and substance use. Resilience factors have been also pointed out, which aid this population in facing these negative mental health outcomes. The literature review highlighted that, on the one hand, TGD individuals appear to exhibit high levels of resilience; nonetheless, health disparities exist for TGD individuals compared with the general population, which are mainly attributable to the societal gender pressure to conform to their assigned gender. Considerations for research and clinical practice are provided.

Keywords: transgender; youth; mental health; gender pressure; minority stress (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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