The Impact of Gender Dysphoria Diagnosis on Parents of Transgender Youth: The Role of Heteronormativity and Mentalization

The diagnosis of gender dysphoria (GD) can be a traumatic experience for parents of transgender youth, as it challenges the belief system of the entire family. 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. A total of 67 couples of mothers and fathers (N = 134) of adolescents who received a GD diagnosis answered questions about heteronormativity, mentalization, and the traumatic impact of diagnosis. Paired-samples t-tests were conducted to assess differences between variables in mothers and fathers, and mediation model analyses were performed to test the direct and mediating effects of heteronormative beliefs and attitudes and mentalization on the traumatic impact of the GD diagnosis. 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. Clinical recommendations are provided to support the family system in coping with the challenges that a GD diagnosis can bring forth.