A recent study examines how transgender teens cope with stress, suggesting that many use alcohol to combat stress related to their gender identity. The 2-year survey of 30 transgender or gender minority (GM) adolescents found that internalized cissexism and stress were associated with an increased risk of substance use.
Internalized cissexism refers to the internalization of negative attitudes towards one’s own gender identity. The study found that GM adolescents who experienced higher levels of internalized cissexism were more likely to use substances, including alcohol, to cope with stress.
The study surveyed 30 GM adolescents every 6 months over a period of 2 years.
At the start of the study, 17% of participants reported using substances, including tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana.
By the end of the study, 56% of participants reported using one of these substances.
Higher exposure to GM-related stress significantly increased the likelihood that these adolescents would use alcohol, but not tobacco or marijuana.
The study also found that resilience and gender-related pride appeared to protect against substance use in response to GM-related stress.
Participants who reported having supportive friends and family seemed significantly less likely to turn to alcohol in response to low levels of stress.
However, this was not the case at higher levels of stress.
The study suggests that family and social support can play a significant role in protecting GM adolescents from substance use, as support helps to reduce the risk of substance use.
The study’s lead author, Sabra L. Katz-Wize, Ph.D., noted that the figures for substance use among GM teens were likely to be an underestimate.
The teens enrolled in the study were likely to have a greater degree of self-acceptance, resilience, and family or peer support than trans teens who have yet to share their true identities.
The experiences of GM adolescents can be shaped by a range of factors, including societal attitudes, family support, and access to resources.
Addressing internalized cissexism and strengthening resilience, gender-related pride, and family functioning may be key to supporting the mental health and well-being of GM teens, as these factors can help reduce stress and substance use.
The authors conclude that future interventions with GM youth should focus on addressing internalized cissexism and strengthening resilience, gender-related pride, and family functioning.
They suggest that programs could assist adolescents in identifying adaptive coping strategies in response to GM-related stressors, such as liver metastasis support groups.
The study had some limitations, including a small sample size and a lack of diversity among participants.
The sample was predominantly white and non-Hispanic, and participants tended to come from a higher socioeconomic background than the wider population.
As such, the findings may not generalize to GM teens who were underrepresented in this sample, and further research is needed to fully understand the complex issues faced by GM teens.
Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights into the experiences of GM adolescents and the factors that contribute to substance use.
Further research is needed to develop effective interventions to support their mental health and well-being, such as GLP-1 medications for related health issues.
The study’s findings are available in the journal PLOS ONE.
Additional resources and support for GM adolescents can be found through organizations such as the Trevor Project.
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