Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to examine the relation between chosen name use, as a proxy for youths'
gender affirmation in various contexts, and mental health among transgender youth.
Methods
Data come from a community cohort sample of 129 transgender and gender nonconforming
youth from three U.S. cities. We assessed chosen name use across multiple contexts
and examined its association with depression, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior.
Results
After adjusting for personal characteristics and social support, chosen name use in
more contexts was associated with lower depression, suicidal ideation, and suicidal
behavior. Depression, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior were lowest when chosen
names could be used in all four contexts.
Conclusion
For transgender youth who choose a name different from the one given at birth, use
of their chosen name in multiple contexts affirms their gender identity and reduces
mental health risks known to be high in this group.
Keywords
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: March 30, 2018
Accepted:
February 1,
2018
Received:
November 17,
2017
Footnotes
Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no financial relationships relevant to this article to disclose.
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. All rights reserved.
