Exploring gender identity as a young adult is not directly linked to greater mental health risks

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-05-23 01:00

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Homophobia and transphobia are likely the cause of higher levels of depression in gender-diverse young adults rather than gender diversity itself, according to international research. The team followed a group of 366 gay, lesbian, bisexual and gender-diverse teens and young adults from 2011 to 2015, looking at their gender diversity status over time as well as their mental health. The researchers say participants who initially identified as cisgender (same as gender assigned at birth) but later identified as gender diverse had higher rates of depression than cisgender participants, however after taking into account the impact of homophobia and transphobia-related violence on depression scores, they say there was no statistical difference. The team say this indicates exploring gender identity is a "normal part of adolescent development for some youths" and not associated with mental health conditions.