Date of Publication

2021

Faculty Mentor

Abby Beerman, MPH

Abstract

Objectives. To explore the association between non-suicidal self-harm (also known as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)) in adolescents in Vermont identifying as transgender and relationships with approachable adults at school.

Methods. Responses of self-reported self-harm in adolescents identifying as transgender and the ability to confide in an approachable adult or teacher at school were obtained from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) (n=18,613). Analysis was conducted using a binary logistic regression at a 95% confidence interval (CI) for the odds ratio (OR) and a best selection process.

Results. Students who identify as transgender and had self-harmed in the past 12 months were 2.22 times more likely to engage in self-harm if they were unable to discuss a problem with an approachable adult or teacher at school (or were unsure), compared to transgender students who were able to discuss a problem with an adult or teacher at school.

Conclusions. This research can be used at state and local levels to advocate for school policies and staff trainings to increase protective factors of adolescents identifying as transgender.

Document Type

Project

Included in

Public Health Commons

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