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Chest Binding in Transmasculine Youth: A Qualitative Study
Jamie E Mehringer1, Jacqueline B Harrison2, Kit M Quain3
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York.
Purpose:
This study explored transmasculine youths' experiences with and perceptions of chest binding.
Methods:
Transmasculine youth from a pediatric gender clinic completed semistructured qualitative interviews. Thematic analysis was completed using a modified grounded theory approach, with median inter-rater reliability of 0.93 (range 0.90-0.95).
Results:
Participants (N = 30) were at a mean age of 17.5 years. All youth reported a history of binding, beginning at a mean age of 13.8 years. Major themes included the role of binding in identity development, challenges associated with binding guidance, and physical effects of binding. A conceptual model for the psychological and functional impacts of binding was identified.
Discussion:
Youth in this study describe binding to participate more fully in daily activities. Binding may be one accessible measure to promote self-affirmation, decrease chest dysphoria, increase confidence, and improve functioning.
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