Transgender Individuals’ Thoughts and Experiences Regarding the Transition Process: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract: This study utilizes Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to gain an in-depth understanding of transgender individuals’ transition experiences and thoughts regarding the diagnostic classification of Gender Dysphoria issued by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and Transsexualism issued by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). The study focused upon the experiences and perceptions of six transgender individuals who have had their transition process in Sweden. The diagnostic criteria for Gender Dysphoria and Transsexualism are subject to change depending on the country where they are used, nevertheless most countries follow the guidance of the ICD and the DSM. There is an empirical gap in literature related to transgender individual’s thoughts and experiences related to the ICD and DSM diagnostic classifications. Thus, the main purpose of the research is to find out how transgender individuals perceive the diagnostic classification and the transition process they are going through. Following an IPA, the results revealed 11 superordinate themes within 4 master themes: (a) negative feelings due to the process; (b) needs; (c) negative thoughts regarding the diagnosis; (d) negative psychiatric experiences. After analyzing the six participants’ accounts, this study suggests that the DSM and ICD diagnostic categories of Gender Dysphoria and Transsexualism, as well as their experience of transition, were evaluated by the participants in predominantly negative terms. How these findings address gaps in the literature are discussed. Finally, recommendations for the future research and clinical implications are presented.