Health · Medical Research · 6 hrs ago
Study finds social transition goals change over time for trans young people
A study led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute followed 234 trans young people aged eight to 17 for up to two years.
Social transition can involve changes to a person's name, pronouns or appearance.
The researchers found that social transition goals often changed over time as young people developed and understood themselves.
More than half of the participants consistently met their goals, but trans boys were more likely than trans girls to meet their aspirations.
Young people with strong family communication and support were also more likely to make the changes they wanted.
The findings suggest families, schools and healthcare providers should tailor support to each young person's needs, rather than expect everyone to follow the same path.
A longitudinal study found that social transition goals among trans young people can change over time.
The study followed 234 trans young people aged eight to 17 for up to two years.
Younger children were more likely to add social transition goals, while trans boys were more likely than trans girls to meet their aspirations.
More than half of participants consistently met their social transition goals.
Researchers said families, schools and healthcare providers should offer support tailored to each young person.
- Who
- Researchers at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute led the study, which followed 234 trans young people aged eight to 17.
- What
- The study examined how young people’s social transition goals changed over time.
- When
- Participants were followed for up to two years. The study’s publication date is not stated.
- Where
- The study examined goals across home, school, online spaces, friendships and extended family relationships.
- Why
- The research aimed to understand how social transition changes and to inform support for young people.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Researchers followed 234 trans young people aged eight to 17 and tracked changes in their social transition goals.
News-Medical published an account of the study.
- Participants
- 234 trans young people
- Age range
- Eight to 17 years
- Follow-up
- Up to two years
- Consistently met goals
- More than half of participants
- Study lead
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute
What people are saying
Our study showed social transition is often an evolving process, with young people's goals changing as they develop and better understand themselves.
Families, schools and healthcare providers should respond to each young person's individual needs, rather than expecting everyone will follow the same path.
with trans girls less likely to achieve all the changes they desire, greater attention should be paid to understanding the reasons behind this gap.
We need to create environments where trans girls and trans women are supported and safe to live as their true selves.