Van Acker Isabeau, Dewaele Alexis, Elaut Els, Baetens Kariann
Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
Centre of Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
Healthcare (Basel). 2023 May 24;11(11):1535. doi: 10.3390/healthcare11111535.
Scientific knowledge on the impact of a gender-affirming transition on intimate partners of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals is limited. It is unclear which care needs partners have and which role health care professionals can play during this transition process. The aim of this study was to explore the unique experiences and care needs of people partnering with TGD people in the context of a gender-affirming transition. A qualitative research method was chosen, and a semi-structured interview was conducted with a sample of nine participants. After transcription, thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Three main themes, with three subthemes each, were identified: (1) intrapersonal processes, with (1a) the process of acceptance, (1b) concerns surrounding the medical transition and (1c) impact on sexual orientation as subthemes; (2) dyadic processes, with (2a) the importance of mutual commitment, (2b) experiences regarding intimacy and (2c) relational growth as subthemes; and (3) perception of support, with (3a) need for support, (3b) the importance of support and (3c) evaluation of support as subthemes. The results suggest that health care providers can help partners to navigate the process of a gender-affirming transition; however, the care needs of partners are currently not satisfied with the available professional support.
关于性别肯定转变对跨性别者和性别多样化（TGD）个体亲密伴侣的影响的科学知识有限。目前尚不清楚伴侣有哪些护理需求，以及医疗保健专业人员在这一转变过程中可以发挥何种作用。本研究的目的是探讨在性别肯定转变背景下与TGD人群建立伴侣关系的人们的独特经历和护理需求。研究采用了定性研究方法，对九名参与者进行了半结构化访谈。转录后，采用主题分析法对数据进行分析。确定了三个主要主题，每个主题又包含三个子主题：（1）个人内部过程，子主题包括（1a）接受过程、（1b）围绕医疗转变的担忧以及（1c）对性取向的影响；（2）二元过程，子主题包括（2a）相互承诺的重要性、（2b）亲密关系体验以及（2c）关系发展；（3）对支持的认知，子主题包括（3a）对支持的需求、（3b）支持的重要性以及（3c）对支持的评价。结果表明，医疗保健提供者可以帮助伴侣应对性别肯定转变的过程；然而，目前伴侣的护理需求并未得到现有的专业支持的满足。
