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

Zabihollah Abbaspour; Golshan Vasel; Fatemeh Jahanbin; Mina Ahmadi Beni; Narges Charkhab

doi:10.18502/qjcr.v23i90.16069

Zabihollah Abbaspour Ph.D in counseling, Associate Professor, Department of Counseling, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
Golshan Vasel Ph.D in counseling, Department of Counseling, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
Fatemeh Jahanbin M.A in family counseling, Department of Counseling, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
Mina Ahmadi Beni M.A in Psychology, Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz Branch, Ahvaz, Iran.
Narges Charkhab M.A in counseling, Department of Counseling, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz Branch, Ahvaz, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/qjcr.v23i90.16069

Keywords: Attachment-based family therapy, Transgender adolescent, Suicidal thoughts, Parent

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.