Attachment-Based Family Therapy for Transgender Adolescent with Suicidal Thoughts: A Case Study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of present study was the application of the Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) for a transgender adolescent with suicidal thoughts. Methods: Multiple baseline experimental single case study was used as the method of the present study. The population sample is a transgender adolescent (female to male) and his/her parent chosen according to the purposive sampling method. The adolescent completed The Suicidal Ideation Scale (SIS) over the course of the sessions. ABFT was implemented in twenty-seven 90 minute-sessions. Furthermore, visual inspection is applied to analyze and interpret data. Results: The results of this qualitative and step-by-step investigation of the attachment-based family therapy showed that this therapy was effective in significantly reducing the suicidal thoughts in the transgender adolescent. Conclusion: Effective intervention with transgender adolescents and their families can foster a secure attachment relationship. Family therapists may employ attachment-based family therapy to address suicidal tendencies among transgender individuals. This approach also supports families in navigating the transformative journey of their transgender child.