Parents of Adolescents Navigating Sexual and Gender Diverse Identity
Parents of Adolescents Navigating Sexual and Gender Diverse Identity
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Issue Date
2025-06-05
Authors
Mohebati, Carmel
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Abstract
This research explores how counsellors can effectively support parents of gender-diverse adolescents (ages 13-18), especially those navigating emotional distress and confusion in response to their child’s non-conforming gender identity. Drawing on theories of adolescent development, family systems, and socioecological models, it examines the relational dynamics between parents and gender-diverse adolescents, with a focus on how counsellors can foster family resilience. The increasing visibility of gender-diverse youth, particularly within Gen Z, has highlighted the need for culturally competent, affirming family support systems. This study reveals how parental reactions, shaped by cultural, generational, and religious factors, can significantly impact adolescent mental health outcomes. Research findings demonstrate how positive parental responses, such as emotional attunement, psychoeducation, and narrative reframing, can reduce mental health risks, while negative responses correlate with heightened distress. The study also signifies the importance of integrating culturally grounded approaches,
notably for families navigating cultural dissonance. Recommendations for counsellors include strategies for supporting parents in processing ambiguous loss, involving gender work, and advocating for gender-affirming practices. Future research is required to uncover the long-term impacts of family-centered interventions, particularly in the context of marginalized and diverse populations. Ultimately, this work calls for a more inclusive, contextually grounded
understanding of both adolescence and parenting, one that centers on identity, culture, and relational connection.
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Keywords
sexual and gender diverse youth , intersectionality , parental contexts , cultural competence , family resilience
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States , openAccess