School victimization in transgender people: A systematic review

Background: The term transgender refers to people whose gender identity does not conform to that associated with the sex assigned to them at birth. Scientific evidence has shown that transgender adolescents have an increased risk of being victims of violence during the school stage. This study aims to synthesize and analyze the findings of the individual studies carried out so far in order to report on the circumstances that influence the process of victimization of this collective. Methods: A systematic search was carried out following the recommendations of the PRISMA statement in the following databases: Pubmed/Medline, PsycINFO, Cochrane, Lilacs, and Web of Science, where relevant qualitative and quantitative design studies were identified, which met previously established eligibility criteria. Quality was assessed through bias-risk analysis, and data were extracted from a previously elaborated template. Results: The systematic review finally included 19 quantitative studies (N = 23,749). The results of this review indicate the existence of a number of sociodemographic, family, school and individual factors that influence the victimization of transgender people. The high heterogeneity found among the outcome measures of the quantitative studies prevented performing a meta-analysis, as recommended in the PRISMA declaration. Conclusions: The results of this review suggest the importance of identifying the different factors that influence victimization and intervening in them as a relevant measure for the prevention of bullying.