Introduction
As practitioners dedicated to enhancing the well-being of students, it is crucial to stay informed about the unique challenges faced by specific populations. Recent research by Hershner et al. (2021) sheds light on the critical issues surrounding transgender college students, particularly concerning sleep, mental health, and suicidality. This blog explores how practitioners can use these findings to improve their support for transgender students and encourage further research in this area.
Key Findings from the Research
The study surveyed 221,549 North American college students, identifying 1.6% of U.S. and 1.7% of Canadian students as transgender. The results revealed alarming disparities:
- Transgender students experience a higher prevalence of daytime sleepiness, insomnia symptoms, and diagnoses of sleep disorders compared to their cisgender peers.
- Mental health issues are significantly more prevalent, with transgender students showing a two-fold increase in depression and anxiety diagnoses and nearly a four-fold increase in suicide attempts.
- U.S. transgender students face a higher burden of mood symptoms compared to their Canadian counterparts.
Implications for Practitioners
These findings underscore the urgent need for practitioners to adopt strategies that address the unique needs of transgender students:
- Enhanced Screening and Support: Implement regular screenings for sleep disorders and mental health issues among transgender students. Early identification can lead to timely interventions and better outcomes.
- Gender Affirming Policies: Advocate for and implement gender-affirming policies that create an inclusive and supportive environment. This includes gender-neutral restrooms, housing options, and the use of preferred names and pronouns.
- Resource Allocation: Increase the allocation of resources dedicated to mental health services tailored for transgender students. Ensure that staff are trained in cultural competence and sensitivity.
- Collaborative Efforts: Work with campus organizations and student groups to foster a sense of community and belonging for transgender students.
Encouraging Further Research
The research highlights the need for further studies to explore the mechanisms linking transgender identity to sleep and mental health issues. Practitioners are encouraged to collaborate with researchers to develop and test interventions that can effectively address these challenges.
Conclusion
The findings from Hershner et al. (2021) provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by transgender college students. By implementing data-driven strategies and advocating for inclusive policies, practitioners can significantly improve the well-being of this vulnerable population. To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Associations Between Transgender Identity, Sleep, Mental Health and Suicidality Among a North American Cohort of College Students.
