Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2025

Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies
Published on: January 10, 2025
Anti-transgender rights legislation and internet searches pertaining to depression and suicide
George B Cunningham1, Nicholas M Watanabe2, Erin Buzuvis3
1Laboratory for Diversity in Sport, Department of Sport Management, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine whether anti-transgender rights legislation among state legislators is associated with increased suicide- and depression-related Internet searches. Employing a quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design, we focused on bills that were introduced to state legislatures from July 2019 to July 2020. As our panel is constructed of 51 states/territories over a 52-week time frame, our final dataset is composed of 2,652 observations. Results showed that states' passing of anti-transgender rights bills were linked with suicide- and depression-related Internet searches. Second, introducing or debating the bills did not have an association with Internet searches. Third, the defeat of anti-transgender bills was linked with fewer depression-related searches. Finally, the LGBT context in the state affected the results: anti-transgender legislation had a particularly strong association with suicide-related Internet searches when the state had a high LGBT population density.
Related Concept Videos
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Depression: Overview
Bullying
Long-term Depression
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture

