Transidentification in Adolescents and Young Adults: Understanding Parental Concerns to Improve Psychological Support for Families

This study explores the experiences and perceptions of parents of adolescents and young adults who identify as transgender, particularly focusing on the anxiety and ambivalence that some parents experience regarding their child's disclosure of a transgender identity. While existing research on transidentity among minors has addressed challenges within family dynamics, it has not deeply examined the underlying reasons for parental hesitation in supporting their child's transition. To fill this gap, we collected and analyzed letters from 60 parents using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis method. The findings reveal that parents often struggle with profound ambivalence, balancing fears about the potential consequences of their child's transition with a desire to provide support. The disclosure of a transgender identity frequently challenges parent-child communication, resulting in perceived disconnects and concerns about the child's mental health. Parents actively sought guidance from healthcare professionals but often felt disappointed by consultations they perceived as lacking thoroughness. Based on these findings, we recommend adopting an exploratory and psychotherapeutic approach in healthcare, fostering individualized and supportive care for both families and transgender youth, in contrast to standardized, protocol-driven consultations that may overlook the complexity of family dynamics and psychological factors.