Late Adolescence to Early Adulthood

Abstract

The years of transition from late adolescence to early adulthood encompass a critical developmental period. During this time, youth grow increasingly independent of their families of origin and pursue post-secondary education or employment. These tasks come with their own unique set of challenges and opportunities for transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) youth. Discrimination in employment and healthcare contributes to higher rates of unemployment and poorer health outcomes, which are further exacerbated in cases of family rejection or non-acceptance. For those pursuing college, this may be the first opportunity to find a supportive, affirming community, particularly for those youth who have struggled with family rejection. This chapter reviews the state of affairs for TGD people in late adolescence and early adulthood with respect to employment, healthcare, family relationships, and college, and provides recommendations for healthcare providers in how to optimally support their patients during this exciting but challenging time. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)