Publicação
Behind gender dysphoria – A qualitative study on detransition
| Resumo: | Despite increasing clinical attention, research on detransition remains in its early stages. This qualitative study aimed to explore clinicians’ experiences of working with detransitioners, focusing on the most recurrent themes and psychological patterns encountered in therapy and the patients’ emotional experience; and to examine aspects that may not be adequately addressed by the Gender-Affirming Care Model (GAMC) in light of the recent increase in detransition cases. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five clinicians experienced in working with individuals who had detransitioned, and data was analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Participants collectively reflected on 41 detransition cases. For the first objective, findings revealed that gender-related distress and core experiences of detransition are rooted in intersecting social (e.g. feelings of being different – 80%, relational patterns – 40%), psychological (e.g. negative emotional experiences – 100%, internalized rigid thinking patterns – 40%) and corporeal (e.g. same-sex attraction – 60%) dimensions. The results further suggest that, for some, adopting a transgender identity can serve as protective factor (80%) to manage psychic pain; and how medical transition can prove to be insufficient in addressing the underlying concerns resulting in the disintegration of the transgender identity (80%) over time. Still in relation to the first objective, the experience of detransition was described as not homogeneous (100%), encompassing emotional aspects (acceptance – 60%, experiences of grief and courage – 80%), reconnection with the natal sex (irreversibility of medical transition – 60%, well-being – 100%), and social impacts (80%). For the second objective, findings revealed two overarching themes: Gender Affirming Model of Care (e.g., profoundly flawed – 100%, disregards psychological dynamics – 80%, rigid – 60%, not prone to full consent – 20%, unethical and unregulated implementation – 20%) and Alternative approaches (e.g., exploration and individuality – 80%, relation and acceptance – 60%). Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed, including the importance of integrating psychodynamic understanding into gender-related care and addressing the long-term impacts of medical transition. |
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| Autores principais: | Soares, Noah Lobão Ribeiro |
| Assunto: | Gender detransition Regret Gender Dysphoria Gender Identity Qualitative Study |
| Ano: | 2025 |
| País: | Portugal |
| Tipo de documento: | dissertação de mestrado |
| Tipo de acesso: | acesso aberto |
| Instituição associada: | Ispa-Instituto Universitário |
| Idioma: | inglês |
| Origem: | Repositório do Ispa - Instituto Universitário |
| Resumo: | Despite increasing clinical attention, research on detransition remains in its early stages. This qualitative study aimed to explore clinicians’ experiences of working with detransitioners, focusing on the most recurrent themes and psychological patterns encountered in therapy and the patients’ emotional experience; and to examine aspects that may not be adequately addressed by the Gender-Affirming Care Model (GAMC) in light of the recent increase in detransition cases. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five clinicians experienced in working with individuals who had detransitioned, and data was analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Participants collectively reflected on 41 detransition cases. For the first objective, findings revealed that gender-related distress and core experiences of detransition are rooted in intersecting social (e.g. feelings of being different – 80%, relational patterns – 40%), psychological (e.g. negative emotional experiences – 100%, internalized rigid thinking patterns – 40%) and corporeal (e.g. same-sex attraction – 60%) dimensions. The results further suggest that, for some, adopting a transgender identity can serve as protective factor (80%) to manage psychic pain; and how medical transition can prove to be insufficient in addressing the underlying concerns resulting in the disintegration of the transgender identity (80%) over time. Still in relation to the first objective, the experience of detransition was described as not homogeneous (100%), encompassing emotional aspects (acceptance – 60%, experiences of grief and courage – 80%), reconnection with the natal sex (irreversibility of medical transition – 60%, well-being – 100%), and social impacts (80%). For the second objective, findings revealed two overarching themes: Gender Affirming Model of Care (e.g., profoundly flawed – 100%, disregards psychological dynamics – 80%, rigid – 60%, not prone to full consent – 20%, unethical and unregulated implementation – 20%) and Alternative approaches (e.g., exploration and individuality – 80%, relation and acceptance – 60%). Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed, including the importance of integrating psychodynamic understanding into gender-related care and addressing the long-term impacts of medical transition. |
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