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Family Characteristics, Transgender Identity and Emotional Symptoms in Adolescence: A Population Survey Study

Author

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  • Riittakerttu Kaltiala

    (Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland
    Department of Adolescent Psychiatry, Tampere University Hospital, 33520 Tampere, Finland
    Vanha Vaasa Hospital, 65380 Vaasa, Finland)

  • Elias Heino

    (Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland)

  • Mauri Marttunen

    (Adolescent Psychiatry, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00260 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Sari Fröjd

    (Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland)

Abstract

Sociodemographic and psychosocial family factors have profound implications for adolescent development, identity formation and mental health during the adolescent years. We explored the associations of sociodemographic and psychosocial family factors with transgender identity in adolescence and the role of these factors in the associations between gender identity and emotional disorders. Data from a large adolescent population survey from Finland were analysed using logistic regression models. Reporting transgender identity was associated with mother’s low level of education, accumulating family life events, lack of family cohesion, perceived lack of family economic resources and female sex. A lack of family cohesion further differentiated between adolescents reporting identifying with the opposite sex and those reporting non-binary/other gender identification. The associations between transgender identity, depression and anxiety were attenuated but did not level out when family factors were controlled for. Transgender identity in adolescence is associated with socioeconomic and psychosocial family factors that are known correlates of negative outcomes in mental health and psychosocial well-being. However, transgender identification is also associated with emotional disorders independent of these family factors.

Suggested Citation

  • Riittakerttu Kaltiala & Elias Heino & Mauri Marttunen & Sari Fröjd, 2023. "Family Characteristics, Transgender Identity and Emotional Symptoms in Adolescence: A Population Survey Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:4:p:2948-:d:1061465
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mayer, K.H. & Garofalo, R. & Makadon, H.J., 2014. "Promoting the successful development of sexual and gender minority youths," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(6), pages 976-981.
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