Evaluating transgender youth and parent interest and preferences regarding support groups

Abstract

The purpose of this cross-sectional survey study is to explore transgender teens’ and their parents’ interest in and preferences regarding support groups in an effort to optimally serve the entire family’s needs. The aims of the study were to: (1) describe transgender teens interest level and preferences regarding support groups; (2) describe parents of transgender teens interest level and preferences regarding support groups; and (3) compare responses based on demographics including teens versus parent, natal sex, and gender identity. De-identified surveys were collected from a convenience sample of transgender patients (N = 26), ages 13-18 years, and their parents (N = 20). Overall level of interest in support groups was 7.20/10 for youth and 7.95/10 for parents where 0 is not interested and 10 is very interested. Both groups endorsed benefits of a support group, including help with managing school issues, learning about local resources for transgender teens, and providing peer support. Both groups indicated “no time” as the most common potential barrier to attendance. Both groups expressed moderate interest in support groups, with minor differences between youths and parents noted in preferred support group structure. Further examination is warranted to determine optimal support group characteristics aimed specifically at parents and, separately, for youth. Additional support services might complement groups for a more comprehensive approach to support resources for this community.

Mental Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth

“…The programs that have been written about in the literature (e.g., Dangaltcheva et al 2021, Matsuno & Israel 2021, however, focus on reducing antitransgender prejudice and increasing knowledge and support. Parents report interest in participating in support groups (Lawlis et al 2020), and those who have participated report having positive experiences (Hillier & Torg 2019).…”

Systematic review: Psychological/psychosocial interventions for the families of gender diverse youth under 18 years old

“…While participants attended between one and 11 group sessions in the studies, it is not clear whether the number of group attendances is important for parents. Lawlis et al, (2020) completed a survey of parental preferences for group interventions, which highlighted that the majority of parents liked monthly meetings, with a group size of between six and 10 people, with the majority of parents happy to attend the clinical service base for the group as long as travel time to the group was between 11 and 20 minutes. This highlights many common barriers relevant to all types of group attendances in terms of time and convenience.…”

Transforming Connections: A Trauma-Informed and Attachment-Based Program to Promote Sensitive Parenting of Trans and Gender Non-conforming Youth

“…Although Transforming Connections is more experiential and less didactic in nature than the group described by Di Ceglie and Thümmel ( 2006 ) participants in both groups reported increased acceptance and understanding of their children. It remains to be determined whether the structured content in Transforming Connections , which is designed to support parents' capacity to reflect on their teen's challenges from an attachment perspective, to strengthen parental affect regulation, and promote understanding and empathy, is more helpful in promoting acceptance compared to parent support groups in the community, where the focus is largely on exchanging information and providing support for one other (Rosenberg, 2002 ; Lawlis et al, 2020 ). In fact, caregivers in our groups indicated that they liked both the structured and supportive aspects of the group.…”

“…Preliminary evidence suggests that support groups for parents of trans youth ranging from 3 to 21 years may be beneficial to caregivers (Menvielle and Tuerk, 2002 ; Rosenberg, 2002 ; Di Ceglie and Thümmel, 2006 ; Menvielle and Rodnan, 2011 ; Hillier and Torg, 2019 ; Lawlis et al, 2020 ). These groups offer a cost-effective method of delivering service to families while reducing feelings of isolation and increasing a sense of connection with other parents who are facing similar challenges.…”