Evaluating transgender youth and parent interest and preferences regarding support groups. 2020

Shauna Marie Lawlis, and Patrick Butler, and Amy Middleman
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.

The purpose of this cross-sectional survey study is to explore transgender teens' and their parents' interest in and preferences regarding support groups in an effort to optimally serve the entire family's needs. The aims of the study were to: (1) describe transgender teens interest level and preferences regarding support groups; (2) describe parents of transgender teens interest level and preferences regarding support groups; and (3) compare responses based on demographics including teens versus parent, natal sex, and gender identity. De-identified surveys were collected from a convenience sample of transgender patients (N = 26), ages 13-18 years, and their parents (N = 20). Overall level of interest in support groups was 7.20/10 for youth and 7.95/10 for parents where 0 is not interested and 10 is very interested. Both groups endorsed benefits of a support group, including help with managing school issues, learning about local resources for transgender teens, and providing peer support. Both groups indicated "no time" as the most common potential barrier to attendance. Both groups expressed moderate interest in support groups, with minor differences between youths and parents noted in preferred support group structure. Further examination is warranted to determine optimal support group characteristics aimed specifically at parents and, separately, for youth. Additional support services might complement groups for a more comprehensive approach to support resources for this community.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries

Related Publications

Shauna Marie Lawlis, and Patrick Butler, and Amy Middleman
November 1983, Nursing,
Shauna Marie Lawlis, and Patrick Butler, and Amy Middleman
November 1991, BMJ (Clinical research ed.),
Shauna Marie Lawlis, and Patrick Butler, and Amy Middleman
April 2021, Child psychiatry and human development,
Shauna Marie Lawlis, and Patrick Butler, and Amy Middleman
September 2009, The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine,
Shauna Marie Lawlis, and Patrick Butler, and Amy Middleman
May 2021, Journal of youth and adolescence,
Shauna Marie Lawlis, and Patrick Butler, and Amy Middleman
February 2021, Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health Education,
Shauna Marie Lawlis, and Patrick Butler, and Amy Middleman
January 2021, PloS one,
Shauna Marie Lawlis, and Patrick Butler, and Amy Middleman
September 2023, Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARID,
Shauna Marie Lawlis, and Patrick Butler, and Amy Middleman
January 2012, The Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care : JANAC,
Copied contents to your clipboard!