Social Supports and Mental Health of Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Adults

Abstract

Being transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) has become a topic that some people are openly discussing, along with increasing media coverage. Despite the increasing awareness of TGNC issues, people who are TGNC still face high rates of discrimination in many areas of their lives. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of social support from different groups on the mental health of those who identify as TGNC. The current study examined three different groups that could provide social support for those who identify as TGNC: community connectedness, primary support, and general support. Results found that community connectedness, primary support, and general support correlated negatively with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, the correlational strength was greatest for anxiety and depression's relationships with the measure of general support.