Coping strategies and minority stress in transgender and gender nonconforming people (TGNC): A systematic review with particular attention to Ibero- And Latin-American research

This systematic review examines and summarizes the empirical literature on coping strategies (CS) used by transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) people when facing minority stress, with special interest in Ibero and Latin-American research. PRISMA-P criteria were used with searches across Web of Science, Scopus, Academic Search Complete, PsycInfo and Scielo databases. Cross-sectional and longitudinal, quantitative, qualitative and mixed studies published in English, French, Spanish or Portuguese were considered. Nineteen papers including only adolescent, young and/or adult TGNC participants were finally selected. The findings reveal a prevalence of qualitative research, with almost no presence of Iberian or Latin American studies. The application of the minority stress model underscores the unique impact of gender-related stressors on TGNC individuals' mental health. Moreover, CS vary across stages of the gender-affirmation process and encompass both avoidance and adaptive approaches. Social support emerges as a prominent coping strategy. This review offers insights into the CS of TGNC individuals and underscores the importance of addressing their specific mental health. Considering the cultural determination of CS, the limited presence of Iberian or Latin American studies raises doubts about the generalization of these findings to these populations.