Supporting parents of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive youth: Considerations for health intervention development

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.