Experiences of Gender Minority Stress in Cisgender Parents of Transgender/Gender-Expansive Prepubertal Children: A Qualitative Study

TLDR

Minority stress theory predicts that sexual and gender minorities experience bias‑related social stressors that can worsen health, and parents of transgender/gender‑expansive children may face similar stressors, yet no prior research has examined these within a minority stress framework. The study aimed to examine and characterize minority stress phenomena among cisgender parents of transgender/gender‑expansive children aged 11 or younger. The authors conducted a qualitative study with a clinically derived sample of English‑speaking cisgender parents of TGE children. Reports of distal and proximal minority stress were identified, with notable impacts on parents’ health and well‑being, and the authors highlight treatment implications and call for further research.

Abstract

Per minority stress theory, sexual and gender minorities are susceptible to bias-related social stressors that can internalize and increase their susceptibility to poor physical and mental health. Parents of transgender/gender-expansive (TGE) children may also encounter a number of stressors on account of their child’s gender experience. No known research had examined how these stressors align within a minority stress framework. This qualitative study examined and characterized minority stress phenomena in a clinically derived sample of English-speaking, cisgender parents of TGE children aged ≤11 years. Study findings included reports of distal and proximal forms of minority stress, with notable impact on health and well-being. Researchers highlight treatment implications and suggest studies continue to examine minority stress in parents of TGE children.