Systematic review: The relationship between religion, spirituality and mental health in adolescents who identify as transgender

Abstract

Objective

Religiosity/spirituality confer protective mental health benefits in adolescents, although the relationship between the two in transgender youths is unclear. This systematic review of the literature sought to clarify this relationship.

Method

We searched five databases for quantitative and qualitative studies exploring the relationship between religiosity/spirituality and mental health in transgender youths.

Results

Eighteen articles met criteria. Six showed a negative relationship between religion/spirituality and mental health, seven showed a mixed relationship, two showed a positive relationship, and three showed a neutral relationship. Only four studies exclusively evaluated transgender youths’ experiences of religiosity/spirituality and mental health. The 14 other studies more broadly evaluated the experiences of LGBTQ youths, where participation among transgendered adolescents was low. Twelve studies were cross-sectional cohort studies, while six were qualitative studies.

Conclusion

The relationship between religiosity/spirituality and mental health in adolescents identifying as transgender is complex. Quantitative studies were mixed regarding the association between religion/spirituality and mental health. Qualitative studies showed a more nuanced relationship between the two in which religiously motivated stigma from parents or communities resulted in worsened mental health outcomes, while intrinsic religiosity appeared to correspond to improved psychological well-being. Implications of these findings for mental health providers and religious leaders are described.

Keywords:

• Mental disorders
• mental health
• religion
• spirituality
• adolescent
• transgender

Ethics statement

No ethical approval was required for this systematic review.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no declarations of interest.

Data availability statement

The data supporting the findings of this literature review are included in the texts of the various articles that were reviewed. The references for all articles are included in the references list.

Additional information

Funding

All authors receive salary support from Yale University. The review was not otherwise financially supported by any grant or funding mechanisms.