Exploring the practice principles and beliefs of trans-care providers working with trans and detrans youth: A survey-based analysis

Abstract

Objective While research on detransition in young people has helped to develop a data-driven understanding of this new phenomenon, it only became available late 2020. This small-scale exploratory project aims to examine the attitudes and beliefs on the topic of detransition held by trans-care providers working with trans and non-binary youth at a moment when research evidence was limited. Method An online survey was circulated between September 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021. A total of 147 professionals participated, of whom 61 completed more than 60% of the online survey. The survey examined how attitudes and beliefs of these 61 participants compare between providers who have or may have followed youth who detransitioned (YDT) (n = 29) and those who have not (n = 22). Descriptive and Mann-Withney U tests using SPSS V 28 were performed. Qualitative data were analised through thematic analysis and used to illustrate quantitative data. Results The analysis uncovered slight but significant differences between these two groups of care providers. The results indicate that those who have interacted with YDT are less likely to have adhered to the empirical evidence available at the time of the survey compared to those who have not. Conclusion While the reasons for these differences are not entirely clear, the article suggests that media content may have captured the attention of providers who have followed YDT, potentially leading to confirmation bias. Implications The latest peer-reviewed evidence has to be more readily accessible to all providers, and providers must critically appraise evidence to ensure that their practices are more data-driven and insure best intervention for all gender-diverse youth.