Gender euphoria: A grounded theory exploration of experiencing gender affirmation
Austin A., Papciak R. & Lovins L. (2022). Gender euphoria: a grounded theory exploration of experiencing gender affirmation. Psychology & Sexuality, 13:5, 1406-1426. https://doi.org/10.1080/19419899.2022.2049632
Highlights
Background
Despite numerous studies illustrating the positive impacts of gender affirming care, discussions of gender euphoria are largely absent from academic literature focusing on the health and well-being of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people.
Photo-elicitation interviewing may be a particularly effective method for investigating gender euphoria, as it upholds participants’ agency and can create a comfortable and empowering space for TGD participants to discuss their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Study Description
Data for this study, comprised of narratives around the mitigation of gender dysphoria and experiences of gender affirmation and gender euphoria, were collected from online, semi-structured, grounded theory photo-elicitation interviews (N = 30) conducted as part of a parent study on TGD adults (aged 18-62) and gender dysphoria.
Participants were screened for eligibility using a demographic survey and were asked to upload 5-10 photos that represented any/all of 4 prompts relating to gender dysphoria and euphoria; those who provided images were contacted to schedule an interview.
Audio, transcript, and image data were analyzed in Nvivo 12 using constructivist grounded theory (Charmaz, 2014) and coded in phases (focused, theoretical, analytical) by the authors; coding meetings emphasized free thinking and reflexivity over interrater reliability.
Key Findings
Analysis identified four key processes associated with gender euphoria in both binary and nonbinary TGD individuals:
Being exposed to a gender affirming antecedent (e.g., physical bodily changes).
Having an affirming thought (e.g., ‘they see me as who I am’).
Feeling a positive emotion.
Experiencing enhanced quality of life.
Gender affirmations—including but not limited to medical interventions, non-medical body alterations, being gendered correctly, and being seen as one’s true self—were found to be not only vital for alleviating gender dysphoria, but also a prerequisite for experiencing the “uniquely positive experience” of gender euphoria.
Conclusion
Clinical practice that recognizes both gender dysphoria and euphoria, and introduces affirmative cognitive behavioural interventions (i.e., prompting a patient to recognize gender affirming changes and participating in positive self-talk) as well as medical and non-medical interventions, can better meet TGD patients’ needs and support their well-being.
Given current and proposed bans on gender-affirming care in the US, this study highlights additional reasons why access to gender-affirming care is necessary for the health and mental health of transgender people.
