Parental support is associated with improved health of transgender, nonbinary and gender expansive (TNGE) youth. However, parents struggle to find support in navigating gender-affirming care with their child. Nursing plays an indispensable role in these dyads’ wellbeing. This study aims to identify barriers and intervention preferences for enhancing knowledge and group-level support for parents of TNGE adolescents. Guided by the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model, we conducted four virtual focus groups with parents (n=19) of TNGE youth. Content analysis was conducted to identify themes around parent needs. Predominantly white mothers from the PA-NJ-NY area participated. Lack of TNGE-relevant knowledge from typically trusted sources and limited resources were identified as primary informational barriers. Suggested intervention components to increase motivation/behavioral skills included education programs, support groups, and expanding resources. Findings highlight gaps in supportive systems available to parents of TNGE youth. Future research could include incorporating these intervention components.
Supporting parents of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive youth: Considerations for health intervention development
Nursing Outlook, 74 (2), 102677. doi: 10.1016/j.outlook.2025.102677.