“My queer identity and my family identity are two very separate things”: A mixed-methods study investigating the psychological implications of family identity and support for trans and gender diverse youth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gender-affirming support from one’s family is psychologically protective for trans and gender diverse (TGD) youth. However, the psychological processes through which family-based support is associated with mental health and wellbeing within this population are not yet understood. The Social Identity Approach to Health, which highlights the important role of social group membership for people’s health and wellbeing, was used to address this gap within a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. Study 1 utilised an online survey (N=140) to demonstrate that family identification is associated with reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression and increased wellbeing, which was mediated by increased social support and reduced loneliness. Using semi-structured interviews (N=27), Study 2 built on the findings from Study 1 by understanding the nature of young TGD people’s experiences of their family groups, family support, loneliness, and mental health. Four main themes were found: 1. I Can’t Be Me When I Am Around You; 2. The Psychological Costs of Authenticity; 3. Increasing the Likelihood of Receiving Familial Support; 4. The Missing Part of the Jigsaw. Together, these studies provide a theoretical framework to understand why family support (from both bio-legal and non-bio-legal families) can be protective and/or harmful for young TGD people’s mental health and wellbeing.