Body image in transgender young people: Findings from a qualitative, community based study. (September 2016) - McGuire, Jenifer K.
Highlights: We qualitatively analyzed body image in the transcripts of 90 transgender youth and young adults. Participants identified body dissatisfaction as well as body satisfaction. Self-assessments were grounded in gendered body characteristics and related to body size. Satisfaction and dissatisfaction were both within the self and reflected back socially. Abstract: The goal of this study was to examine the ways in which transgender youth experience their bodies with regard to gender and body size. Ninety transgender youth and young adults completed in-depth interviews in eight metropolitan areas of the United States, Canada, and Ireland. Using a queer perspective, qualitative analyses revealed two broad conceptual categories: body dissatisfaction and body satisfaction. Within these categories, participants focused on body issues related to gender characteristics and body size. Findings revealed evidence of self-criticism and social distress related to body image dissatisfaction and self-acceptance and social acceptance related to body image satisfaction. Data demonstrated how gender, body size, and the intersection of gender and body size influenced personal perceptions of body dissatisfaction and satisfaction. Developmental processes were evident: participants further along in consolidating a gender identity described gaining a sense of social awareness, self-acceptance, and body satisfaction reflecting a sense of resilience.