Healthcare, Social Support, and Mental Health in Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth: A Person-Centered Study

Backgrounds: Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals often face systemic barriers in accessing adequate healthcare and social support, which can significantly impact their well-being. Aim: This study explores the social and healthcare support received by TGD young adults in Italy, employing a person-centered approach to understand their experiences. Method: A mixed-methods design was used, involving 51 TGD participants aged 18-30. Data were collected through sociodemographic measures and standardized questionnaires with open and close-ended questions, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Gender Preoccupation and Stability Questionnaire-2, Loneliness Scale, and Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory. Moreover, 7 participants attended a semi-structured interview conducted by a trained researcher and audio recorded. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify patterns and associations within quantitative data. Additionally, qualitative data were elaborated through Thematic Analysis. Results: Findings indicate that TGD young adults in Italy face considerable challenges in obtaining appropriate healthcare and social support, contributing to negative experiences of gender incongruence. Several key mediators emerged, influencing the severity of gender incongruence symptoms: peer awareness, family acceptance, and school education. Participants who reported higher levels of support in these areas demonstrated better mental health outcomes, whereas those experiencing rejection or a lack of understanding faced increased psychological distress, sense of loneliness and selfharm. Discussion: The results highlight the need for more inclusive healthcare policies, greater awareness in educational settings, and stronger social networks to foster acceptance and support for TGD individuals. Addressing these barriers is essential to improving the quality of life and mental health of TGD young adults. These findings contribute to the growing body of research on the social and healthcare needs of TGD individuals, underscoring the importance of intersectional and person-centered approaches in future policy and clinical interventions.