Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology

First Advisor

Amber Nelson, PsyD

Second Advisor

Daniel Rodriguez, PsyD

Third Advisor

Lola White, PsyD

Abstract

This dissertation utilizes a critical health psychology lens to document the experiences of transmasculine individuals with testosterone and gender-affirming healthcare. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven transmasculine participants who had participated in hormone replacement therapy for at least 6 months. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a recursive qualitative approach, resulting in nine themes: gaps in information about hormone replacement therapy; individual variability in hormone replacement therapy effects; complexity of nonbinary identity; barriers in the transition process; necessity and burden of self-advocacy; importance of community support; significance of sociopolitical context; impact of provider attitudes and education; and the need for holistic, individualized care. The study highlights the ongoing need for changes within healthcare systems in order to better support transmasculine patients. Results indicate that increasing provider education and awareness of these concerns could have positive implications for both the physical and mental health of transmasculine individuals utilizing gender-affirming care.

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