Understanding Mental Health Differences Between Cisgender and Gender Minority Youth: Evidence from Within-Family Comparisons

Speaker: Dr Davide Pace

Affiliation: LMU Munich

Location: Room 215, Chamberlain Building (#39), St Lucia Campus

Abstract: Prior research has indicated that cisgender individuals experience significant mental health advantages compared to transgender and nonbinary individuals, including among youth. Using data from the 2021 Canadian Census, we document substantial differences—ranging from 30 to 40 percentage points—in the prevalence of mental health conditions between cisgender youths and their gender minority counterparts. These disparities remain significant even after accounting for demographic factors and parental background. Sibling comparisons further reveal that these mental health differences are substantial, indicating that unobserved family background differences cannot fully explain them. In contrast, household factors do eliminate sibling gaps in physical and learning difficulties.