Abstract

This research article investigates the nuanced relationship between adolescent gender diversity, mental wellbeing, and the exploration of gender and sexuality within the framework of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. Adolescence is a pivotal period for self-discovery, during which individuals explore their gender identity and sexual orientation. Understanding the impact of these explorations on mental health is essential for providing appropriate support and care to gender-diverse adolescents. The ABCD study, a longitudinal research initiative, offers a valuable platform for examining these factors in a large and diverse sample of American youth. There are known associations between mental health symptoms and transgender identity among adults. Whether this relationship extends to early adolescents and to gender domains other than identity is unclear. This study measured dimensions of gender in a large, diverse, sample of youth, and examined associations between diverse gender experiences and mental health.