INVESTIGATING LIVED EXPERIENCE AND IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT IN TRANSGENDER PEOPLE: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Background & Aim : Transgender people face many psychological and social problems. Due to cultural and social norms, the number of studies conducted on these people is limited. The purpose of this study is to investigate the lived experience and development of identity transgender people. Materials & Methods : The present study was a qualitative phenomenological approach. Ten people who identified themselves as transgender were selected using convenience sampling method. These subjects were studied using semi-structured interview. Sampling was continued until the data were completed. In order to analyze the data, the data were first recorded and coded and then analyzed using Colaizzi method. Results : The results of this study indicated that transgender people face double psychological and social challenges in their lifetime that these challenges and barriers can confuse their identities. Conclusion : The identity disorder is associated with mental health problems and psychological problems; these problems can be a barrier to adapting to their new identity. Removing barriers from their identity and having a non-dual view on their gender can help them to properly develop their identity.