“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 well-being within this population are not yet understood. The Social Identity Approach to Health (SIAH), which highlights the important role of social group membership for people’s health and well-being, was used to address this gap within a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. Study 1 utilized an online survey (N = 140) to demonstrate that family identification is associated with reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression and increased well-being, which was mediated by increased social support and reduced loneliness. Using semistructured 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: (a) I can’t be me when I am around you; (b) The psychological costs of authenticity; (c) Increasing the likelihood of receiving familial support; (d) The missing part of the jigsaw. Together, these studies provide a theoretical framework to understand why family support (from both bio-legal and nonbio-legal families) can be protective and/or harmful for young TGD people’s mental health and well-being.