Cognitive and interpersonal identity processes related to mid-life gender transitioning in transgender women

Abstract

This research explored identity processes related to mid-life gender transitioning in 13 trans women (assigned male at birth), ages 44–67 years, who lived in the Midwestern United States. Participants completed a semi-structured qualitative interview with questions about transgender identity development and experiences of gender transitioning. Interview transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory methodology. Themes representing cognitive and interpersonal processes differed in salience throughout the gender transitioning process: cognitive processes were more salient earlier and later in the transition, whereas interpersonal experiences were more salient in the middle of transitioning. Results from this study can inform counseling practice by improving cultural competency in counselors through increasing knowledge about how trans women form their gender identities and experience gender transitioning.

Keywords:

• transgender
• transgender women
• identity development
• gender transition
• gender identity

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Carrie Schneider, Adriana Rodriguez, and Elliott Tebbe for their help conducting this study; Janet Hyde and Kimberley Howard for their supervision; and Julie Keller and John DeLamater for giving critical feedback on earlier drafts of this paper. Thank you also to the participants for generously sharing their stories with us.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no financial conflicts of interest to disclose.