Transgender identity is associated with severe suicidal ideation among Finnish adolescents

Emerging evidence reveals disparities in suicidal behaviour and ideation exist between transgender and cisgender youth. It has been hypothesized that certain gender minority specific risk factors, such as experiences of victimization, could partially explain the mental health disparities between transgender and cisgender youth. We set out to explore whether transgender identity is associated with severe suicidal ideation among Finnish adolescents and whether the possible association persist when a range of covariates is controlled for. The study included 1,425 pupils (mean age [SD]=15.59 [0.41]) who participated in the study during a school lesson. Logistic regression was used to study associations between transgender identity and severe suicidal ideation. Four models, each adding more covariates, were created. The final model revealed a statistically significant association between transgender identity and severe suicidal ideation, even though the association grew weaker as more covariates were added and controlled for. The results indicate that transgender identity is associated with severe suicidal ideation even after prominent covariates or risk factors of suicidal behaviour and ideation have been taken into account.