Adaptation to Parental Gender Transition: Stress and Resilience Among Transgender Parents

Little is known about transgender parents and how they have negotiated their gender transition, referred to here as Parental Gender Transition (PGT), and subsequent stressors. This study addressed this gap using an adapted version of the ABC-X model and Family Stress Theory. The family functioning of 73 transgender parents (72.2 % born male, 25.0 % born female, and 2.8 % other, e.g., intersex), who transitioned after they had children, was examined in regard to the potential stresses associated with PGT (impact of disclosure, stigma, and boundary ambiguity), resources available to transitioning parents (social support and coping), and perception (sense of coherence and perceptions of PGT). Hierarchical multiple regression and path analysis were then conducted to determine if resources and perception altered the relationship between stress and family functioning. Findings from these transgender parents indicated an ameliorating role of sense of coherence, or the perception that they can handle the situation, on the relationship between stigma and family functioning, but not between boundary ambiguity, or confusion regarding who is in the family system, and family functioning. This suggests one avenue for professionals to intervene and help families through PGT. However, it also indicates the need for further research to determine ways to mitigate the impact of boundary ambiguity on family functioning.