Resilience among trans and gender-diverse adults : the protective role of dispositional hope in the perceived burdensomeness-suicide relationship

Trans and gender-diverse (TGD) adults are at increased risk for suicide. A wealth of evidence supports perceived burdensomeness as an independent key risk factor for suicide. Few studies have investigated dispositional hope or its components (agency and pathways) as a psychological resilience factor within the TGD population. The present study investigated the role of dispositional hope as a moderator in the relationship between perceived burdensomeness and suicidal ideation and behaviors among TGD adults. An international sample of 848 TGD adults aged 18 to 80 years (Mage= 26.27, SD = 7.70), who identified as male (n = 197), female (n = 614), or gender nonbinary (n = 37), completed the online questionnaires. Results demonstrated that dispositional hope, agency, and pathways were significant moderators, strengthening the perceived burdensomeness-suicidal ideation and behaviors relationship. Closer examination of the moderation effects suggests that higher levels of dispositional hope and its components may be protective against suicidal ideation and behaviors among TGD adults experiencing lower, but not higher, levels of perceived burdensomeness. Future research is urgently warranted within this population to help inform specialized interventions that may protect TGD adults who experience higher levels of perceived burdensomeness and are at high risk for suicidal ideation and behaviors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved) Public Significance Statement—This study indicates that interventions which enhance hope may be related to lower levels of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among trans and gender-diverse adults with low, but not high, levels of perceived burdensomeness. It also highlights the urgent need for research aimed at identifying protective factors that may reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors among trans and gender-diverse adults with high levels of perceived burdensomeness. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved) © 2020 American Psychological Associatio