Creating a program to support mental health for transgender adolescents in schools
Official title: Development of a School-Based Prevention Intervention to Promote Adolescent Mental Health Equity
Funded at Boston College · NIH-11031686 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new training program for school staff to help create a more supportive environment for transgender teens, with the goal of improving their mental health and reducing feelings of depression and anxiety.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chestnut Hill, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 12, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $239,551 |
| NIH project number | 1R34MH136018-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031686 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are transgender adolescents who are experiencing mental health challenges due to discrimination in school settings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as transgender or who are not adolescents may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and evaluating a program called Gender-Affirming School Practices (GASP) aimed at improving mental health outcomes for transgender adolescents. The project will refine an online training for school staff to ensure it meets their needs and is easy to use. Additionally, it will create a detailed plan for implementing this program in schools to promote supportive environments for transgender students. By addressing discrimination and fostering acceptance, the program aims to reduce mental health issues like depression and anxiety among these adolescents.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mental health and well-being of transgender adolescents by fostering supportive school environments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that gender-affirming practices can effectively improve mental health outcomes for transgender individuals, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Price, Maggi — Boston College
- Study coordinator: Price, Maggi
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.