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Transforming families: evaluation of a digital resource to enhance parental support for trans children

Parental support is a critical protective factor for trans and gender diverse children, yet many parents lack access to trustworthy, evidence-based information. The Transforming Families project aimed to address this gap by co-designing a digital resource to enhance parental understanding, support, and acceptance.

Meaningful and minimally distressing: Trans adolescents’ perspectives on sensitive research interviews

Qualitative research on sensitive topics (e.g. abuse, mental health difficulties, discrimination) is needed to understand lived experiences of complex issues. However, this type of research raises concerns about potential adverse effects on participants, especially with younger participants and those from marginalized populations. In this study, we conducted a reflexive thematic analysis of 20 trans adolescents’ (14–18 years of age) experiences of participating in research about their stigma experiences.

Group mindful self-compassion training to improve mental health outcomes for gender and sexually diverse young adults

This study investigated the effects of Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) training on the mental health of gender and sexually diverse young adults (aged 18–25 years) in Australia. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2020–2022 comparing an online-delivered 8-week group MSC training program with a waitlist control.

Healthway supports innovative mental health, physical activity research at The Kids

The Kids Research Institute Australia and The University of Western Australia researchers have been awarded more than $1 million in funding from Healthway, for projects to improve the mental health of LGBTQA+ young people, encourage early physical activity in childcare centres and create healthier local environme

Pilot program to improve gender equality in science

The Kids Research Institute Australia is proud to have been selected in a pilot program to improve the promotion and retention of women and gender minorities in science.

Game aims to alleviate depression for trans youth

A digital game adapted by researchers is set to deliver engaging, accessible help to prevent depression for trans and gender diverse young people.

Psychological wellbeing outcomes across genders in childhood and adolescence aged 8–18 years: a population-level perspective

This study aimed to examine the difference in levels of psychological wellbeing outcomes of binary and non-binary transgender and cisgender students aged 8–18 years in South Australia using population-level data.

Investigation of associations between self-reported sensory processing, eating disorder symptoms, neurodivergence, and gender congruence from a lived experience lens

Eating disorders (EDs) are increasingly recognised among neurodivergent and transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals, yet most assessment and treatment models remain grounded in cisnormative and neuronormative assumptions and frameworks. Sensory processing, spanning interoception and exteroception, has been proposed as a potential factor that may help explain observed associations between neurodivergent traits, gender incongruence, and EDs. 

Eating and exercise experiences of Australian trans and gender diverse folks: lived experience and stakeholder perspectives

Trans individuals face elevated health risks and socio-environmental challenges, influencing their engagement in health-protective behaviors (e.g. exercise and nutrition). Despite these challenges, there is a significant gap in understanding the specific eating and exercise experiences of Australian trans adults, including barriers to healthy behaviors and healthcare experiences. This study aims to address this gap by exploring these experiences, informing targeted interventions and healthcare practices to improve health outcomes.

Psychometric evaluation of the Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory in autistic and non-autistic adults

Measures of autistic traits are only useful – for pre-diagnostic screening, exploring individual differences, and gaining personal insight – if they efficiently and accurately assess autism as currently conceptualised while maintaining psychometric validity across different demographic groups. We recruited 1322 autistic and 1279 non-autistic adults who varied in autism status (non-autistic, diagnosed autistic, self-identifying autistic) and gender (cisgender men, cisgender women, gender diverse) to assess the psychometric properties of the Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory, a recently developed measure of autistic traits that examines six trait domains using 42 self-report statements.