Vem får man vara i vårt samhälle? - Statens folkhälsoinstitut

understanding of the content of the lives of transgender individuals.
The empirical results examined include quantitative, qualitative and
mixed data designs reported in the literature – a multi-dimensional
approach (Hutchison 1999). The theoretical analysis presented includes
psychodynamic theory (Aslop et al. 2002), cognitive theory and
social learning theory (Docter 1988), social constructivism including
queer theory (Aslop et al. 2002; Wetherell and Maybin 1998; Butler
1990, 2004/2006; Jagose 2001). The multi-dimensional analysis
considers the interaction between personal and situational factors and
the interplay between macro- and micro-processes in order to increase
our understanding of transgender identities. This kind of analytical
approach has been described as relevant, if not essential, in the research
literature when addressing issues of the complexity of those which exist
in trans identifications (Bullough & Bullough 1993; Docter 1988).
1.3 Research questions
The research questions addressed were the following:
1. To what does the concept “transgender individuals” or ”transperson”
refer? What theoretical perspectives and concepts are relevant
to an understanding of transgender individuals?
2. How can the life situation of transgender individuals be described
when focusing on different dimensions, e.g., family background,
maturation or developmental patterns, experience of identity, so cial
situations, and social relationships?
3. What kinds of psychological or psychosocial stresses exist for transgender
individuals specifically related to their transgender identity?
4. How can the transgender phenomenon be described in terms of
social norms of identity, gender and gender roles including its relation
to the hetero norm and, also, when compared with a Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) perspective?
5. How can the transgender phenomenon be described in a historical
and cultural perspective?
6. How do transgender individuals describe their situation in their own
words, e.g., in autobiographies, in a narrative discourse analysis?
7. Which suggestions can contribute to an improvement in the
psychosocial health situation of the transgender individual?
38 • summary