YOUNG PEOPLE DISTRESSED BY GENDER-RELATED DYSPHORIA
Research type
Research Study
Full title
YOUNG PEOPLE DISTRESSED BY GENDER-RELATED DYSPHORIA: A QUALITATIVE STUDY EXPLORING THE PERSPECTIVES OF YOUNG PEOPLE, PARENTS/CARERS AND CARE PROFESSIONALS
IRAS ID
306023
Contact name
Karl Atkin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of York
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 30 days
Research summary
Some children and young people can experience significant levels of gender-related dysphoria/distress in the course of their development. This distress is said to arise from a mismatch between a young person’s felt gender identity and the sex they were registered/assigned at birth.
The numbers of children and young people referred to the Tavistock and Portman’s Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) - the only NHS funded service for young people with gender-related dysphoria/distress in England and Wales - have risen markedly over the last decade, resulting in lengthy waiting times and uncertainty for young people and their families. Little evidence exists, which can inform current or future provision. Consequently, it is important to understand the needs of this changing population of young people who experience gender dysphoria/distress; assess outcomes and identify different management options.
This qualitative study is part of a programme of academic research (including systematic reviews and epidemiological analysis of existing datasets) to inform an independent review of gender identity development services for young people, reporting to NHS England, led by Dr Hilary Cass (https://cass.independent-review.uk/).
The qualitative research will explore how children, young adults and their families negotiate gender-related dysphoria/distress; focus on how children and young adults experience and express their gender dysphoria/distress; examine their - and families/carers' - views on referral, assessment and possible interventions/treatment; and investigate the perspectives of care professionals who offer support.
The study will use a qualitative methodology, to purposively sample and interview 40 children and young adults between 12 and 30 years old, with a diverse range of experiences and outcomes. From these interviews the study will purposively sample 20 parents/carers and 20 care professionals.
Thematic analysis will be used to examine interview material, identify themes and explore optimal care consistent with the experiences of young people and their families/carers.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/SW/0180
Date of REC Opinion
15 Dec 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion