(PS8-58) Partners’ Inter- and Intrapersonal Changes During a Gender Medical Transition

Abstract Text:

Background: As the number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S. has grown in recent years, so have the number of gender medical transitions. Notably, medical transitions have been shown to aid in alleviating gender dysphoria and comorbid negative mental health. While effective in reducing gender dysphoria and promoting better mental health, the transition process can also create inter- and intrapersonal changes for both the transitioning partner (TP) and the non-transitioning partner (NTP), which may include changes to the relationship and to aspects of the NTP’s identity attached to the relationship (e.g., identification with a specific sexual orientation). Limited research exists, however, on the specific changes experienced by NTPs during a TP's medical transition, highlighting the need for further research to inform resources for couples in which a partner is medically transitioning. This study aimed to explore inter- and intrapersonal changes that NTPs experience while supporting a TP through a medical transition by centering the lived experiences of those in this population.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with NTPs who were U.S. residents, aged 18 or older, and supported a TP through their transition. Participants were recruited from both social media platforms and LGBTQ+ community centers. Purposive sampling was used to ensure a sample diverse in race, gender, and sexual orientation. Interviews were focused on understanding relationship and personal identity changes during the transition. Thematic analysis, performed by two trained graduate students, was used to code and generate themes from the interviews.

Results: Initial themes revealed changes in both the relationship and the NTP’s personal identity. Notable relationship changes included shifts in gender roles, sexual dynamics, and emotional dynamics. Regarding changes in NTP identity, themes included a deepened understanding of oneself (e.g., affirmation of one’s sexual identity, changes to their sense of belongingness within the broader LGBTQ+ community) and changes in their views of themself as a parent (e.g., how they view and share their role as a mother).

Discussion: These themes indicate significant changes in inter- and intrapersonal relationships as NTPs support their TP through a medical transition. More specifically, NTPs endorsed that, as they are navigating various changes in roles and dynamics in their relationship, they are experiencing changes related to how they view themselves and the roles they take on. These findings underscore the need to develop educational resources related to helping couples manage both inter- and intrapersonal changes during a TP’s medical transition. By doing so, partners may better be able to navigate these changes, fostering increased support for TPs, and contributing to improved mental health outcomes for both couple members during the transition.