"Det är ju inget vi frågar efter som psykologer" : psykologers upplevelse av klienter med könsöverskridande beteende

• People with gender-incongruent behaviors have a higher risk for psychiatric problems compared to others. A professional approach is an important part of the treatment process and will influence the therapeutic outcome. Earlier research shows deficits in the contact between care personnel and people with gender-incongruent behaviours. There are no studies focusing on psychologists and their work with this client group. The aim of this study is to research psychologists’ subjective experience of clients with gender-incongruent behaviours. The study uses a qualitative method. The research data was collected with semi-structured interviews with five psychologists that had some experience with clients with gender-incongruent behaviours. The results point to gender-incongruent behaviors being a topic that evokes both interest and commitment, but also some insecurity in psychologists. Psychologists’ preconceptions and personal beliefs play a big role during the work with these clients when education and access to information on the topic is limited. A non-pathologizing outlook on gender-incongruent behaviours dominates, but the opposite also exists. More research is needed to map out in which way psychologist-related factors influence treatment of people with gender-incongruent behaviours. Another important aspect is how existing knowledge can be implemented in psychologists’ basic training and how it can be spread effectively amongst professionals.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

könsöverskridande beteende

transgender

psykolog

transsexualism

erfarenhet

kvalitativ

Psychology

Psykologi

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)