Transgender Romantic Relationships
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: School of Medicine
Abstract
This project aims to study the romantic relationships of transgender people and their partners, not only aiming at investigating potential difficulties and the influence of cultural and sociological factors on them, but also to analyse how people have adapted following transition in order to maintain relationships through transition. The project will also aim to investigate associated variables with romantic relationship satisfaction and how transition impacts (positively and negatively) on relationship satisfaction for both transgender individuals and their partners. It is hoped that the project will increase our knowledge about romantic relationships in general, but particularly in transgender people and by doing so help transgender people prepare for a successful transition.
Based on the existing literature and the obvious research gaps, research objectives would focus on:
- To explore the influence of transition on the romantic relationships for transgender individuals and their partners.
- To explore associated factors with relationship satisfaction for transgender individuals.
- Using this newly acquired information to prepare future individuals for a successful transition by the development of psycho-educational tools.
Methodology
Participants for this study will be recruited from the Nottingham Centre for Transgender Health (NCTH) and from non-NHS organisations and online forums.
The study would adopt a mixed methods approach. A series of studies will be developed in order to reach the objective of understanding both the romantic relationships for both transgender individuals and their partners. Due to the learning aspect of these aims mainly qualitative methods will be used.
Following studies will require a large population sample to obtain a diverse set of responses in order to explore variables, including quality of life, associated with romantic relationship satisfaction. A quantitative methodology will be used.
The final part of the study will help to create a tool to be piloted as part of the final study which will aim to prepare transgender people for a successful transition.
The student will work closely with sexual and relationship therapists throughout the project.
This project will enable the researcher to continue her transgender research interest, which started during her one year placement at the NCTH. The experience gained during this time has help her to familiarise with the population and subject. From her placement the researcher has a level of understanding that is rare for a student and therefore places her in a good position to undertake research in this field.
The explorative nature of the study will allow for a deep and full understanding of romantic relationships. The understanding and knowledge gained from the study will not only benefit transgender individuals, their partners, and professionals in the field but it will help to gain further understanding of romantic relationships, sexuality and its diversity.
Based on the existing literature and the obvious research gaps, research objectives would focus on:
- To explore the influence of transition on the romantic relationships for transgender individuals and their partners.
- To explore associated factors with relationship satisfaction for transgender individuals.
- Using this newly acquired information to prepare future individuals for a successful transition by the development of psycho-educational tools.
Methodology
Participants for this study will be recruited from the Nottingham Centre for Transgender Health (NCTH) and from non-NHS organisations and online forums.
The study would adopt a mixed methods approach. A series of studies will be developed in order to reach the objective of understanding both the romantic relationships for both transgender individuals and their partners. Due to the learning aspect of these aims mainly qualitative methods will be used.
Following studies will require a large population sample to obtain a diverse set of responses in order to explore variables, including quality of life, associated with romantic relationship satisfaction. A quantitative methodology will be used.
The final part of the study will help to create a tool to be piloted as part of the final study which will aim to prepare transgender people for a successful transition.
The student will work closely with sexual and relationship therapists throughout the project.
This project will enable the researcher to continue her transgender research interest, which started during her one year placement at the NCTH. The experience gained during this time has help her to familiarise with the population and subject. From her placement the researcher has a level of understanding that is rare for a student and therefore places her in a good position to undertake research in this field.
The explorative nature of the study will allow for a deep and full understanding of romantic relationships. The understanding and knowledge gained from the study will not only benefit transgender individuals, their partners, and professionals in the field but it will help to gain further understanding of romantic relationships, sexuality and its diversity.
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES/P000711/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2027 | |||
| 1926368 | Studentship | ES/P000711/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2021 | Ellen Marshall |
| Description | Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | The award holders organised a patient and public involvement event for service users of Nottingham Centre of Transgender Health (NCTH), medical professionals from NCTH, NHS managers for Nottinghamshire NHS Trust and researchers based in the East Midlands. The event was a conference setup with additional emphasis on discussion between all attendees. Selected PhD researchers and university lectures and researchers presented their current research findings which allowed discussion from all attendees. Discussion of future research, clinical work and ethical considerations within the area was also encouraged. 38 people attended the event. Attendees included a mix of service users, medical professionals, NHS managers and researchers. The service users who attended were all part of the PPI research group based at the Nottingham Centre for Transgender Health (Service Users Research Advisory Group for Transgender Health - SURAGth). The event resulted in increased awareness of the research needed in the future and the needs of the service users. This is essential for the researchers, medical professionals and NHS managers who attended. The discussion and increased awareness gained from the event will help to bridge the gap between service users, researchers and clinical work. It is anticipated this will have an overall clinical impact and improve services available for transgender individuals. The event is now an annual event. This allow the award holders and organisers of the event to assess the impact on a yearly basis and ensure the discussions from the event are being appropriately applied within research, clinical work and society. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018,2019 |