Lived experiences: Exploring detransition narratives

Many people who have experienced gender incongruence decide to go through the process of transitioning. A small number of people who transition will decide to stop or reverse some or all aspects of their transition process and detransition.

To bridge the gap in the psychology literature and the emerging yet poorly understood phenomenon of gender detransition, the aim of the current study was to explore the lived experiences of this unique population.

Thirteen adults who detransitioned participated in semi-structured interviews regarding the external and internal stressors that contributed to their decision to detransition. The authors used Meyer's minority stress model as a theoretical framework and consensual qualitative research methods to conceptualize and analyze the data.

Results of the interview data highlighted that the factors contributing to a person's decision to transition and detransition are multifaceted and unique. Participants' decision to transition were influenced by others who suggested or encouraged them to transition, gender dysphoria, body image concerns, and poor mental health. Participants reported several external (e.g. negative experiences with health service providers) and internal (e.g. regret regarding insufficient exploration) stressors with being transgender. Outcomes of detransitioning were explored and included relational change, increased self-acceptance, improved well-being, and loss of trans community.

Study limitations, implications for counseling, and future research are discussed.