The Body I Live in. Perceptions and Meanings of Body Dissatisfaction in Young Transgender Adults: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Body dissatisfaction in individuals with Gender Incongruence (GI) represents a primary source of suffering. Several studies have highlighted how this suffering has psychological, physical, and biological implications. This work aims to explore experiences related to body dissatisfaction and investigate the issues associated with living in a body perceived as incongruent for individuals with GI. Thirty-six individuals, aged between 18 and 30 years old and at stage T0 of hormone treatment, participated in the study. Body dissatisfaction and experiences related to it were investigated using the Clinical Diagnostic Interview. The Consensual Qualitative Research methodology was applied to the transcripts of the interviews. Several themes emerged: experiences with GI development, experiences with puberty and bodily changes, perception of one’s body, psychological problems and complex behavioral patterns related to body dissatisfaction. Results pointed out the complexity implied in the relationship with one’s body for individuals with GI, highlighting specific aspects of body dissatisfaction among these individuals (e.g., eating disorders, sexual difficulties, social withdrawal). This study underlines the need for a deeper understanding of some aspects of GI to better define guidelines for a correct assessment of it. In this way it will be easier to avoid negative outcomes for the psychological and general health of transgender people.

Gender Diverse Children and Adolescents in Italy: A Qualitative Study on Specialized Centers’ Model of Care and Network

“…Generally, the difficulties reported in the literature are internalizing in nature (e.g., depression, anxiety, eating disorder) [ 6 , 18 , 19 ]; however, there is considerable variability in the results across studies [ 17 ]. Research has shown that trans youths are at higher risk of self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicidal attempts [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ], and that the well-being of these youths can be hindered by “internal” sources, such as body dissatisfaction or distress [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ]. As Ristori and Steensma [ 17 ] noted, a significant proportion of these psychological problems may be understood as a response to the discrimination experienced by gender diverse youths, as conceptualized by the minority stress model [ 35 ].…”

Endocrine Management of Transgender Adults: A Clinical Approach

“…The improvement in mental health seems to be strongly linked to the physical changes induced by GAHT [3]. In a very recent study, participants reported that their feeling of "incongruence" increased as their repulsion towards their body did [62].…”

Epigenetic Effects of Gender-Affirming Hormone Treatment: A Pilot Study of the ESR2 Promoter’s Methylation in AFAB People

“…Transgender people are often considered a psychologically vulnerable group compared to the general population, partly due to distress deriving from GI itself and partly to a non-inclusive cultural background, which might also include difficulties in accessing general healthcare and GAHT [ 1 , 2 ]. GAHT, in particular, is a paramount tool to alleviate the incongruence between biological and experienced gender and, therefore, any psychological burden arising because of it.…”