| The purpose of this study was to explore the adjustment of family members as they became aware of their child's transgender identity. There is very little research within the mental health field on the needs or experiences of transgender individuals. There is even less on the experience of their family members. The research that is done is typically on the experience of spouses of transgender individuals, rather than their parents or siblings. Though a number of stage models of family adjustment to transgender emergence have been developed, very little is known about family experience within those stages. This study sought to learn more about the experience of twelve parents of transgender children ages fourteen to thirty-years-old that have undergone hormonal and/or surgical interventions. Data for this study was collected through the use of an online semi-structured interview questionnaire. Data was organized around five variables; family belief system, family organizational pattern, family communication/problem-solving, stigma and transgenderism, and stages from denial to acceptance. The main result of this study suggests that, for these parents, while it could be quite difficult to change cognitive schemas and come to accept your son as your daughter or vice versa, it was possible. Overall, parents in this study demonstrated considerable resilience, often more than they thought possible. Seven themes associated with positive parental adjustment were identified. These themes were; making sense, support, flexibility and stability, sensitive communication, shifting perspective, stages, and time and patience. Clinical implications are discussed at the conclusion of this study. |
