2016 Volume 19 Issue 2 Pages 164-172
[Purpose]
People with gender identity disorders have been gaining social acceptance since the late 1990s. However, there are studies indicating that such people have various social and psychological problems, suggesting that they experience a high degree of psychological stress even in the contemporary society. This study examined difficulties confronted by these people and factors relating to overcoming these difficulties to identify methods of support for such individuals.
[Methods]
People with gender identity disorders (N=3) participated in this study. They were interviewed using semi-structured interviews regarding the difficulties they have confronted and how they coped with difficult situations. The contents of the interviews were analyzed using the Trajectory Equifinality Model.
[Results]
Difficulties experienced by people with gender identity disorders included rejection of their clothing and personal preferences, their secondary sexual characteristics, pressure by schools and workplaces to confirm to the traditional gender role system regarding uniforms, and problems at work. Their coping methods included keeping their gender dysphoria hidden in order to avert criticism from others, accepting physical changes, uniforms, and gender role systems based on their biological sex as well as keeping company with people having gender identity problems, seeking knowledge about sex and gender, and seeking the acceptance of family and friends.
[Discussion/Conclusion]
The results identified the following factors related to overcoming difficulties faced by people with gender identity disorders:
1) Understanding sexual diversity
2) Keeping company with people that are members of a sexual minority
3) Acceptance by family and friends
4) Arrangements for accepting children with gender identity disorders in schools
5) Acceptance at workplaces
In particular, factors 4) and 5) indicate that people with gender identity disorders suffer from a gender role system that clearly discriminates between males and females on the basis of sexual dualism. This study suggests the importance of understanding sexual diversity and modifying behaviors as appropriate for different situations. It also shows the need to investigate the reasons for barriers against accepting such people in society, which is responsible for the negative environment faced by people with gender identity disorders.
