Faculty Sponsor
Jana Stedman
College
Nursing
Department/Program
Physician Assistant Masters Program
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Symposium Date
Summer 7-24-2024
Abstract
Objective: compare the efficacy of gender-affirming care and mental health management for reducing suicide rates and suicidality in transgender adolescents. Methods: relevant, peer-reviewed research studies published within the past five years were identified by searching the Valparaiso University Christopher Center Library online databases. Results: both gender-affirming care and mental health interventions/programs are highly successful in reducing suicidality in transgender youth. For all transgender adolescents, social support systems composed of family, friends, and trusted adults are essential for reducing suicidality and accessing medical transition if desired. Conclusion: at this time, available research studies are limited in number and reliability (due to confounding factors), thereby limiting the ability to draw a definitive conclusion; however, available evidence suggests the efficacy of both modalities and an inherent need for both modalities to be utilized.
Key Words: transgender youth, gender diversity, gender nonconforming, gender nonbinary, gender-affirming care, mental health, suicide, psychotherapy, counseling, puberty suppression, gender-affirming hormones, adolescent mental health, depression, anxiety
Recommended Citation
Cammarano, Victoria, "Efficacy of Gender-Affirming Care versus Mental Health Management in Reducing Suicidality in Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Adolescents" (2024). Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium. 212.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/sires/212
Biographical Information about Author(s)
Victoria Cammarano, a physician assistant master's student, has a special interest in nephrology and is pursuing postgraduate fellowship opportunities in emergency medicine following graduation. As her personal passion, she also intends to participate in health advocacy for racial, sexual, and gender minority healthcare. In accordance with her interest in promoting health equity, she will be presenting on the “Efficacy of Gender-Affirming Care versus Mental Health Management in Reducing Suicidality in Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Adolescents.”