Diverse Gender Identity Development: A Qualitative Synthesis and Development of a New Contemporary Framework

Traditional models of gender identity development for individuals who do not identify with their assigned birth sex have generally treated medical intervention as normative, and non-binary identification as relatively rare. However, changing demographics within gender diverse populations have highlighted the need for an updated framework of gender identity development. To address this gap in the research, this study systematically reviewed the qualitative literature assessing the lived experiences of identity development of over 1,758 gender diverse individuals, across 72 studies. Reflexive thematic analysis of excerpts were synthesised to produce a novel, integrative perspective on identity development, referred to as the Diverse Gender Identity Framework. The framework is inclusive of binary and non-binary identities and characterises the distinctive identity processes individuals undergo across development.

Automated summary

Traditional models of gender identity development have typically regarded medical intervention as standard and non-binary identification as rare. However, the changing demographics within gender diverse populations necessitate an updated framework for gender identity development. This study systematically reviewed qualitative literature to examine the lived experiences of over 1,758 gender diverse individuals, resulting in a novel and inclusive framework called the Diverse Gender Identity Framework.