Chosen Name Use Is Linked to Reduced Depressive Symptoms, Suicidal Ideation, and Suicidal Behavior Among Transgender Youth

Study findings published in the Journal of Adolescent Health showed that young transgender persons who used their chosen name at work, school and home instead of the name given to them at birth reported fewer depressive symptoms and less suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Using data from a cohort of LGBTQ youth in the U.S., investigators evaluated the link between chosen name use and mental health among 129 transgender and gender nonconforming youth aged 15 to 21 years. Via interview, researchers asked whether participants could use their preferred name at school, home, work and with friends and measured depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Of the 129 participants included in this study, 74 reported using a chosen name instead of their birth name. After adjusting for covariates, Russell and colleagues found that transgender youth who used their preferred names in multiple contexts reported fewer depressive symptoms and less suicidal ideation and behavior. Furthermore, depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts and behavior were at the lowest levels when transgender youth could use their chosen names at school, home, work and with friends.

Specifically, compared with youth who could not use their preferred name in any context, those who could experienced a 71% drop in severe depression symptoms and a 34% and 65% drop in suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, according to a press release. There were no significant differences in mental health issues by gender identity, race/ethnicity, sexual identity or age. 

Factors that could support social transition of transgender youth are likely to also promote their mental health, like using preferred pronouns, getting to dress as they choose, or using the appropriate restroom.

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.

FONTE: Adolescent health brief 

Chosen Name Use Is Linked to Reduced Depressive Symptoms, Suicidal Ideation, and Suicidal Behavior Among Transgender Youth 

Stephen T. Russell, Ph.D., 

Amanda M. Pollitt, Ph.D., 

Gu Li, Ph.D., 

and Arnold H. Grossman, Ph.D. 

Journal of Adolescent Health (2018)