Understanding the Experience of Parents of Pre-pubescent Children with Gender Identity Issues

Abstract

Whilst in recent times there has been an increasing interest in the popular media in families with gender variant children, there is still a paucity of academic research into the experience of parenting a pre-pubescent child with gender identity issues. Gender dysphoria in young children engenders emotive reactions in adults meaning that social workers need to be aware of the various discourses surrounding gender identity in order to work sensitively with families affected. This research explores highly sensitive and intimate aspects of family life, requiring parents to talk and think about difficult issues and explores how it might feel for families to parent a child with gender identity issues. The psychosocial research method of Free Association Narrative Interviews was used in order to gather the data which was then coded and analysed drawing on a constructivist version of grounded theory. Five key themes relating to the process of mourning emerged from the data: loss, uncertainty, ambivalence, being unable to think and acceptance. Recommendations for both social work and clinical practice are also offered.

A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of a Gender Affirmative Education Program for Families of Trans Young People

“…While the surveys did not identify any significant changes in terms of self-efficacy, two of the interview participants illustrated how the program impacted on their sense of confidence, validating their parenting choices. Supporting these findings, education has been associated with a reduction in parents' anxiety (Hegedus, 2009) and confusion (Gregor et al, 2015), adding to a sense of their own empowerment (Cantner, 2012). Menvielle and Hill (2010) have highlighted similar benefits from a parent support group in the USA:…”

A Survey of Specialist Youth Gender Diversity Services in Australia: A Whole‐of‐Family Approach

“…Many research studies have shown that youth and adults experiencing gender diversity can face discrimination from professionals and have difficulties accessing healthcare (Dowshen et al, 2018;Gridley et al, 2016;Heard et al, 2018;Hyde et al, 2014;Snelgrove, 2012). Furthermore, caregivers and gender diverse individuals may feel healthcare professionals lack sufficient knowledge to provide well-informed care and are often left feeling maltreated and stigmatised as a result (Gregor et al, 2015;Gridley et al, 2016;McBride, 2018;Riggs, Coleman, & Due, 2014;Riggs & Due, 2015;Riley, Clemson, Sitharthan, & Diamond, 2013;Sharon, 2016). Several researchers have already clearly emphasised the need for a systemic understanding and whole-offamily support (Dierckx & Platero, 2018;von Doussa et al, 2017;Vanderburgh, 2008;Wolf-Gould, 2019).…”

“…This is additionally influenced by ethnic, cultural, and religious considerations, which are unique to each family. Whilst some family members may experience gender diversity positively, including forging closer family ties, others may experience a sense of loss and grief for the child, brother, or sister that once was (Field & Mattson, 2016;Gonzalez, Rostosky, Odom, & Riggle, 2013;Gregor, Hingley-Jones, & Davidson, 2015). The responses of siblings under the age of 18 years may be affected by their stage of development, understanding, and dependence on caregivers.…”

The experience of gender dysphoria for pre‐pubescent children and their families: a review of the literature

“…Recent research by Gregor () also found that some parents of pre‐pubescent children struggle with psychoanalytic explanations and reject its credibility, preferring alternative conceptualizations propounded by psychologists such as Ehrensaft (2007, 2011a,b) that challenge gender identity disorder as a concept and reframe it. Gender‐variant behaviour is not seen as pathological but as part of an individual's creative expression of their identity.…”

“…, ) suggests that both parents and transgendered adults feel professionals are poorly educated about gender identity issues, especially in respect of younger pre‐pubescent children. Parental narratives frequently highlight their perception that many of the professionals they encountered along their journey were ill‐informed about gender dysphoria and thus were ill‐equipped to practice effectively with their family (Gregor ). This literature review thus endeavours to provide social workers with an overview of current research and theoretical paradigms, with a view to promoting understanding and better practice with families in this little understood field.…”