A Qualitative Study of Dimensions of the Gender Identity Crisis: A Grounded Theory Approach

The present study investigates the causal, contextual, and interventionist conditions of the phenomenon of gender identity disorder, using the "grounded theory" approach. In this regard, the researcher analyzed and interpreted the strategies and consequences of the phenomenon. To achieve this goal, in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 patients who suffered from a gender identity disorder, and three focus group sessions were held with 30 patients. The results indicated that gender identity disorders are a multifaceted phenomenon and its various dimensions have made this phenomenon an inevitable crisis. This phenomenon occurs under conditions such as psychological and mental conflicts, lack of positive feelings about physical characteristics, and occurrences of conflicts with gender which eventually lead to a romantic relationship with the opposite gender and intercourse with homosexuals. Actors in these situations either find gender reassignment surgery a strategy for resolving their gender crisis, or marriage as a strategy offered by their family. In some cases, they suppress and hide their sexual feelings, and follow actions in line with their current gender. These cases will lead to the risky exposure of transsexuals to the post-operative world of gender change.