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Exploring the Perception of and Sense of Belonging Among Women with Gender Dysphoria: A Qualitative Study
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Shirin Armaghan *   , Nazanin Abed , Leili Panaghi |
| University of Science and Culture , shirinarmaghan@yahoo.com |
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Abstract: (13 Views) |
Introduction: Gender dysphoria is commonly defined as the incongruence between an individual’s biological sex and experienced gender. However, this purely biological definition cannot fully capture the complex psychological and social experiences of these individuals. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of women with gender dysphoria regarding their lived experiences and sense of belonging within the cultural and social context of Iran.
Methods: This qualitative study employed Braun and Clarke’s (2019) thematic analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 women diagnosed with gender dysphoria. Interviews lasted 90–120 minutes and were analyzed inductively until data saturation was reached. Interview topics included identity perception, body experience, feelings of shame and social anxiety, experiences of rejection, relational patterns, and the sense of belonging or non-belonging.
Findings: Data analysis resulted in the identification of three main thematic axes and eight subthemes: cognitive themes (including a fragmented self), emotional themes (including perceptions of non-belonging to society), and challenges of belonging (ranging from isolation to connectedness). These themes reflected participants’ cognitive and emotional experiences, conflicts between body and identity, and the influence of social contexts and interpersonal relationships on their sense of belonging. Experiences of bodily disconnection, social anxiety, and difficulties in forming secure relationships profoundly shaped participants’ perceptions of themselves and others.
Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, gender dysphoria should not be understood merely as an identity or medical issue; rather, it represents a relational, embodied, and existential experience shaped by cultural context. Understanding these experiences can provide a foundation for designing gender-sensitive clinical interventions based on acceptance, mindfulness, and the reconstruction of belonging.
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| Keywords: Gender dysphoria, sense of belonging, thematic analysis, fragmented self, gender identity |
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Full-Text [PDF 364 kb]
(7 Downloads)
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Type of Study: qualitative research |
Subject:
behavioral sciences
Received: 2025/12/22 | Accepted: 2026/01/14 | Published: 2025/12/31
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