Transgender women, or transwomen, are classified as male at birth but identify as female (Operario, Soma, & Underhill, 2008). They undergo a transition process to change sex and gender, typically involving medical intervention from health services. This thesis comprises a literature review of factors that affect the psychological wellbeing of transgender people, and an empirical paper which is a qualitative research paper investigating transwomen's experience of transitioning in health services in the UK. The first part of the literature review provides background to gender identity disorder. The second part outlines themes identified in the literature as factors that affect transgender people's psychological wellbeing these were; mental health issues, sexual health, transphobia (see Appendix I Glossary of Terms), employment issues and barriers to healthcare access. The empirical paper is a qualitative study that investigates transwomen's experience Of transitioning in the health service. Three superordinate themes were identified; 'Meaning and Description of Transition " 'Journey to and through Transition', and 'Experience of Transitioning in Health Services '. The findings from this research indicate a need for more training and awareness around transgender health issues, and the need to promote 'culturally competent' care by health professionals, particularly General Practitioners (GPs). Evidence of involvement with mental health services and clinical psychology were absent from pa11icipants' narratives, despite description of mental difficulties. Clinical Psychologists have a future role in introducing care that is 'culturally competent' through psychotherapy provision, training and consultation with other professionals, in order to improve transwomen's experience of transition inside and outside of health care service.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:618758 |
| Date | January 2012 |
| Creators | Langan, Natasha Siobhan |
| Publisher | University of Southampton |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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