Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT3372

Purpose: The diagnosis of gender dysphoria (GD) can be a traumatic experience for parents of transgender youth. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the role of heteronormative beliefs and attitudes on the traumatic impact of GD diagnosis in mothers and fathers of transgender youth, as well as the mediating role of mentalization, i.e. the ability to psychologically understand one’s own and others’ behaviors and emotions.

Methods: A total of 75 couples of mothers and fathers (N = 150) of adolescents who received a GD diagnosis answered questions about heteronormativity, mentalization, and the traumatic impact of diagnosis. Mean age of adolescents at diagnosis of GD was 16.3±1.0 years, 49 were assigned male at birth (AMAB) and 26 were assigned female at birth (AFAB) Heteronormativity was assessed using the Italian version of the Heteronormative Attitudes and Beliefs Scale Mentalization was measured using the Italian version of the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire. The traumatic impact of the GD diagnosis was assessed using the Italian version of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised.

Results: Results showed that heteronormative attitudes were significantly higher in fathers than in mothers. Moreover, heteronormative beliefs were positively associated with greater traumatic impact of GD diagnosis only in fathers, whereas heteronormative attitudes were associated with greater traumatic impact of GD diagnosis in both mothers and fathers. Finally, an impaired mentalizing functioning mediated the relationship between heteronormative attitudes (but not beliefs) and the traumatic impact of a child’s GD diagnosis only in fathers, but not in mothers.

Conclusion: When transgender youth enter the health care system because of their gender incongruence, their entire family must be supported to create an accepting and affirming environment in which gender-related stress and negative emotions can be effectively processed. ubmitted.