Perceived legal protection and institutional trust predict a lower psychological distress level for transgender people in Aotearoa/New Zealand

Abstract

Background Few studies have assessed the role of legal protection and institutional trust as structural determinants of health among trans people. Aim This study investigated the responses of a nationwide survey of trans people in Aotearoa New Zealand to examine the interplay among perceived legal protection, trust toward institutions, and psychological distress. Method Data were employed from the 2018 Counting Ourselves survey (n = 863; Mage = 30.3). We conducted chi-square analyses to identify the extent of differences for institutional trust between trans participants and the Aotearoa/New Zealand general populations. Correlation and mediation analyses were utilised to determine whether structural determinants were associated with lower psychological distress levels. Findings Our results revealed that over a quarter (26%) of trans participants did not feel New Zealand law protects against discrimination for being trans or non-binary. Trans participants reported heightened levels of distrust compared to the general populations across media (65% vs 39%; RR= 1.66) parliament (52% vs 25%; RR = 2.07), police (49% vs 7%; RR = 7.48), and courts (48% vs 13%; RR = 3.84). Significant demographic differences in institutional trust levels were observed, with younger individuals, trans men, non-binary people assigned female at birth, or people with a disability status reporting lower trust toward different institutions. Perceived legal protection and confidence were correlated with lower psychological distress levels, and institutional trust partially mediated this association. Conclusions Findings from this study demonstrate the urgency for government agencies to consult appropriately and work collaboratively with trans communities to identify current gaps in laws and policies that protect the human rights of trans people. Trans-inclusive policies have the potential to elevate community trust toward institutions and improve the meaningful participation of trans people and address inequities.