Exploration of Gender Role Conflicts in Transfeminine Individuals: An IPA Study

Abstract

Gender role conflict theory explains transgender individuals fail to abide by the stereotypical norms of the society and experience gender role conflicts. Moving away from the traditional masculine role, transfeminine individuals suffer from conflicts that reduces their psychological well-being. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) using a constructive paradigm with epistemological assumptions was used in the current study. A purposive sample of 4 transfeminine transgender individuals was selected, and in-depth semi-structured interviews were carried out; responses to questions were recorded, transcribed and sifted into categories and themes using IPA. Seven major themes emerged from gender conflict experiences of transgender individuals; experiencing unwanted self, psychological effects on health, feeling of worthlessness, developmental differences, emotional reactions and experiences, source of humiliation, and positive perception of life. The study gives an insight into the psychological problems of transfeminine transgender persons. This research has great implications for psychologists to create awareness of the psychological issues of this marginalized community.