A qualitative metasummary of detransition experiences with recommendations for psychological support

  1. Pablo Expósito-Campos 1
  2. José Ignacio Pérez-Fernández 1
  3. Karmele Salaberria 1
  1. 1 Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea
    info

    Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea

    Lejona, España

    ROR https://ror.org/000xsnr85

Revista:
International journal of clinical and health psychology

ISSN: 1697-2600

Any de publicació: 2024

Volum: 24

Número: 2

Pàgines: 231-240

Tipus: Article

DOI: 10.1016/J.IJCHP.2024.100467 DIALNET GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openAccés obert editor

Altres publicacions en: International journal of clinical and health psychology

Resum

Objective The main goal of this article is to identify areas of psychotherapeutic work with detransitioners, that is, individuals who stop or reverse a gender transition, given the scarcity of information and resources. Methods We conducted a systematic review and metasummary of qualitative data published until April 2023. Data were extracted, grouped, and refined to conform meta-findings. Results The database search yielded 845 records, of which 15 comprising 2689 people who detransitioned were included in the review. A total of 582 findings were extracted, resulting in 34 meta-findings with frequencies ≥ 15 %. Two main thematic areas with several subthemes were identified. The theme “Gender transition” included “Perspectives” and “Emotions.” The theme “Gender detransition” included “Driving factors,” “Challenges” (a. Social and emotional difficulties, b. Lack of support and understanding, c. Negative healthcare experiences, d. Detransphobia, and e. Identity concerns), “Needs,” “Growth and evolution,” and “Identity and future.” Based on these meta-findings, we advance broad recommendations for supporting detransitioners in their various emotional, social, and identity needs. Conclusions Detransitioners are diverse in their experiences and perspectives and face significant challenges. Emotional validation with a focus on personal strengths and meanings, treatment of concurrent psychological issues, development of social networks, and support of identity exploration are key aspects of psychotherapeutic work with this population.

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