Abstract
IntroductionRomantic relationships are often a significant area of individuals’ lives and can have a positive impact on wellbeing. There is often a belief within society of romantic relationships ending upon the start of gender affirming transition, however this is often not reflected within clinical work or research studies. Despite this, currently not enough is known about romantic relationships for transgender individuals and their partners, and the impact gender affirming transition can have on the quality and satisfaction of these relationships.AimTo critically and systematically review the available literature examining quality and satisfaction of romantic relationships for transgender individuals and their partners.MethodsUsing PRISMA guidelines, major databases (Pubmed, PsycINFO and Web of Science) and relevant reference lists were searched for suitable articles up to January 2020. Each included article was assessed for methodological quality and the demographic data, methods and findings linked to relationship quality and satisfaction was extracted for analysis.ResultsFrom 151 potentially relevant articles, 14 studies (six quantitative, eight qualitative) were included within the review. Most studies displayed moderate risk of bias due to cross-sectional designs and lack of reflexivity. Findings from quantitative studies suggest a bi-directional relationship between transition, relationship quality and satisfaction and wellbeing. Qualitative studies suggest transition can cause personal challenges for both transgender individuals and partners. Maintenance activities help buffer the impact of these challenges on relationship satisfaction and ensure positives are possible from relationships.DiscussionGender affirming transition can impact on the quality and satisfaction of romantic relationships. Due to additional challenges transgender individuals and their partners may face, adequate support is required at personal, community and clinical level. There is a paucity of research in this area and current studies lack methodological rigor. Future research is essential to gain a further understanding of transgender relationships and the support required.
Highlights
Romantic relationships are often a significant area of individuals’ lives and can have a positive impact on wellbeing
In particular there is a paucity of quantitative studies and all studies within this area lack a certain level of methodological quality, any findings reported are difficult to generalize and use within clinical settings
As society continues to move forward and gender identity is becoming more fluid, it is imperative to gain an understanding of all transgender relationships through larger studies in order to understand how to support individuals in the future
Summary
Studies have reported that only around half of romantic relationships for transgender individuals survive through gender affirming transition (Brown, 2009; Devor, 1997). This may be of concern to transgender individuals who are in the process of initiating gender affirming transition. Romantic relationships are defined as relationships based on emotional and physical attraction, potentially leading to long-term intimate relationships (World Health Organization, 2017). They are often a hallmark and significant area of individuals’ lives.
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