Trajectories and Predictors of Bias-Based Bullying Victimization Among Transgender and Nonbinary Youth

• In Event: Cross-Cutting Research on Risk and Resilience Factors Among LGBTQIA+ Individuals

Abstract

Objective: Transgender and nonbinary youth (TNBY) experience significant disparities in multiple domains. For instance, TNBY report more victimization than cisgender adolescents, including bias-based bullying (bullying based on identity characteristics) (Gower et al., 2024), which is associated with particularly deleterious outcomes across multiple domains (Eisenberg et al., 2024). To date, however, research has not explored (1) longitudinal trajectories of bias-based bullying victimization (BBBV), nor (2) protective and sociodemographic factors as predictors of BBBV.

Theoretical Framework: We draw from the Social Ecological Model of Transgender Stigma and Health (SEMTSH) (Hughto et al., 2015) and the Minority Strengths Model (Perrin et al., 2020). The SEMTSH elucidates ways in which stigma at multiple levels serves to hinder wellbeing of transgender individuals, which we extend to TNBY and use to conceptualize risk factors (i.e., BBBV). We use the Minority Strengths Model as a framework for identifying strengths (namely, social support in this study) among TNBY that promote their wellbeing.

Methods: TNBY completed measures of gender identity, BBBV (6 items from the California Healthy Kids Survey; Austin et al., 2016), and perceived social support (MSPSS; Zimet et al., 1988). Latent Growth Curve Models (LGCMs) estimated BBBV trajectories (as cumulative exposure) among TNBY, with the conditional LGCM including MSPSS subscales (family, friend, and significant other support) and sociodemographic characteristics as predictors of the growth factors.

Data Sources: Project AVANT is an ongoing US nationwide longitudinal study of TNBY. The present study leverages six waves of online survey data collected over 2.5 years, beginning in December 2020.

Results: Among 252 TNBY (Mage = 16.1, 51.6% nonbinary, 33.7% youth of color, 55.2% plurisexual at baseline), BBBV decreased significantly, on average, over the study period (Intercept est. = 2.54, SE = 0.11, p <.001; Slope est. = -0.13, SE = 0.02, p <.001). Significant heterogeneity was observed among youth in both the intercept and linear slope. The intercept/slope covariance was significant (b = -0.09, SE = 0.03, p = .002), with TNBY who reported higher initial BBBV evidencing swifter declines in BBBV. Higher levels of family support (b = -0.16, SE = 0.08, p < .001) negatively predicted initial BBBV scores in the conditional model, indicating family support conferred protection. Rates of BBBV among transgender males (b = 0.07, SE = 0.03, p = .043) declined faster than among nonbinary youth, whereas the difference between transgender females and nonbinary youth was not statistically significant (p>.05). Models demonstrated good fit (e.g., conditional model: CFI = .98, TLI = .98, RMSEA = .02, SRMR = .04).

Significance: Promisingly, findings indicated that BBBV declines slightly, on average, as TNBY transition from middle to late adolescence. Consistent with prior research, family support conferred protection. Given BBBV increases risk of poor mental health outcomes and school functioning among TNBY, it is critical that future research identifies strategies to reduce BBBV exposure; findings suggest bolstering family support may be one key focal area. Further, the longitudinal study design permits a nuanced perspective of risk and protective factors over time.

Authors

• Melissa K. Holt, Boston University

• Katharine Parodi, Boston University

• Andra Preda, Boston University

• Nicolina Fusco, Boston University

• Alyssa Marie Ciniglio, Boston University

• Aidan D. Kraus, Boston University

• Jennifer Greif Green, Boston University