Disclosure, risks and protective factors for children whose parents are undergoing a gender transition

T. White, R. Ettner

Objective: This study attempts to delineate the effects on children within different stages of development whose parent undergoes a transition to the opposite sex. Methods: Questionnaires were mailed to therapists who have considerable experience working with gender dysphoric patients. These therapists were queried about their experience with individuals who had children prior to the start of their transition. Variables such as the nature and manner of disclosure to the child and the nature of the relationships between the child and each parent were evaluated. Results: Children in the preschool years were rated as adapting best to the transition, both initially and long-term. Adults also were able to adapt well, so long as the level of conflict between parents was low. Adolescents had the most difficult time adapting to a parental transition. The level of family conflict worsened the child's adaptation across all developmental levels. The therapists delineated both risk and protective factors for children during such a situation. Conclusions: While a parent undergoing a gender transition is not a neutral event, both risk and protective factors do exist, and knowledge of these may be beneficial in assisting the child's adaptation to the situation. Adolescents appear to have the most difficult time adapting to a parental transition and extra support may be needed for this group. These findings are discussed in light of identified resilience factors in children and approaches that therapists can employ to best assist families found in such a situation. Case examples are provided.[Copies are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Center. The Haworth Press, Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580, USA]