Societal discrimination and mental health among transgender athletes: A systematic review and Meta-analysis
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-16-2024
Abstract
BackgroundDiscrimination and inequality have been identified as significant problems faced by transgender individuals in sports participation. However, uncertainties remain regarding the effectiveness of interventions aimed at promoting equality.ObjectivesThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the experiences of transgender athletes in sports, focusing on mental health issues and factors contributing to inequality among transgender and other sexual minorities.MethodsThe study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and searched 10 electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, to identify eligible studies published between 2005 and 2022. The search yielded 1430 articles, of which only 12 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review.ResultsThe meta-analysis of the 12 studies included in this review revealed that transgender athletes faced social discrimination and inequality in sports participation, resulting in mental health problems and higher rates of suicide. From a cohort of 21,565 participants in the studies, 7152 (33%) were subjected to discrimination in sports participation and healthcare, with a rate of 0.61 (95% confidence interval CI]: 0.35, 0.81). However, transgender athletes who felt welcomed and embraced by their respective teams accounted for 0.39 (95% CI: 0.19, 0.65). These results indicated significant differences between how transgender athletes are treated in healthcare settings and when participating in sports.ConclusionThe study findings underscore the need for policies, cultural research, and interventions to address discrimination and inequality faced by transgender athletes in sports participation. Promoting equality and safeguarding the rights of transgender athletes can mitigate the risk of mental health problems and increase physical activity among sexual minorities.
Keywords
Transgender, Inequality, Mental health, Sport, Minorities stress, Health promotion, Health care
Divisions
pathology,sportmedicine
Funders
Department of Applied Social Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong,Department of Sports Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya,Department of Applied Social Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University,Oxford University LGBTQ+ Society
Publication Title
BMC Psychology
Volume
12
Issue
1
Publisher
Springernature
Publisher Location
CAMPUS, 4 CRINAN ST, LONDON, N1 9XW, ENGLAND