Exploring the lived experiences of transgender individuals in Ireland from an occupational perspective

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dc.check.date2028-09-30
dc.contributor.advisorJackson, Jeanne
dc.contributor.advisorLynch, Helen
dc.contributor.advisorBoyle, Bryan
dc.contributor.authorGorman, Eoinen
dc.date.accessioned2025-05-21T13:49:54Z
dc.date.available2025-05-21T13:49:54Z
dc.date.issued2025en
dc.date.submitted2025
dc.description.abstractIntroduction: The centrality of occupations in the lives of humans is of great interest to occupational science. The aim of this thesis was to explore the lived experiences of transgender individuals in Ireland from an occupational perspective. A scoping review revealed that gender was traditionally viewed as a binary concept within occupational science and occupational therapy literature. However, recent research has led to a paradigmatic shift in understanding and redefining gender as a non-binary construct. This thesis contributes to emerging research exploring the relationship between occupations and gender identity, specifically being transgender. Method: A phenomenological approach, specifically interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) was utilised in conducting this study. Three participants, two trans women and one trans man, from across Ireland were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews, object elicitation, concept mapping and reflecting on a chosen occupation. Data from the participants were analysed using IPA. Findings: Five Group Experiential Themes emerged from a cross-case analysis of the data: (1) discovering, surviving, and confronting the heteronormative world through occupational avoidance and exploration while coming out as trans, (2) navigating “passing” alongside medical and social transitioning to live authentic lives, (3) persevering within the heteronormative world comprises nuanced occupations of unlearning heteronormative norms and exploring one’s gender potentiality or constricting and protecting one’s lifeworld, (4) engaging in occupations that disrupt the heteronormative world, and (5) transcending heteronormative norms, forging found families and reconstituting one’s occupational-Being through occupations that foster connection and belonging to cultivate an authentic lifeworld. An overarching experiential theme emerged highlighting that a metamorphic odyssey is experienced by participants. Discussion: Findings are discussed in relation to the literature, and key interpretations are presented, including: (1) subverting the Template: a deconstructed, trans-perspective of heteronormativity, (2) socialisation and enculturation into the heteronormative world, (3) becoming trans in the heteronormative world and (4) Reconciling gender: a web of occupational processes. Implications and recommendations are discussed in the context of occupational science. Limitations and strengths are then presented before concluding the research process.en
dc.description.statusNot peer revieweden
dc.description.versionAccepted Versionen
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdfen
dc.identifier.citationGorman, E. 2025. Exploring the lived experiences of transgender individuals in Ireland from an occupational perspective. PhD Thesis, University College Cork.
dc.identifier.endpage394
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10468/17553
dc.language.isoenen
dc.publisherUniversity College Corken
dc.rights© 2025, Eoin Gorman.
dc.rights.urihttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
dc.subjectOccupational science
dc.subjectTransgender
dc.subjectLived experience
dc.subjectInterpretative phenomenological analysis
dc.titleExploring the lived experiences of transgender individuals in Ireland from an occupational perspective
dc.typeDoctoral thesisen
dc.type.qualificationlevelDoctoralen
dc.type.qualificationnamePhD - Doctor of Philosophyen
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