Trans Men’s Positive Emotions The Interaction of Gender Identity and Emotion Labels

• Published in: The Counseling psychologist Vol. 43; no. 3; pp. 404 - 434
• Main Authors: Budge, Stephanie L., Orovecz, Joe J., Thai, Jayden L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-04-2015; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Confidence; Emotions; Grounded theory; Happiness; Males; Men; Positive Attitudes; Transgender persons; trans men; emotions; masculinity; gender role; positivity
• ISSN: 0011-0000; 1552-3861
• DOI: 10.1177/0011000014565715

The current study used grounded theory methods to analyze trans men’s positive emotions. The sample included 11 participants who were assigned a female sex at birth and currently identify with a binary male identity. Results yielded eight positive emotion themes emerging for trans men, which included the following: confidence, comfort, connection, feeling alive, amazement, pride, happiness, and interpersonal reactionary emotions. Participants reported specific gender experiences within these themes, including a sense of brotherhood, excitement related to taking testosterone, authentic pride in identifying as a man, and happiness connected to others using correct gender language (e.g., pronouns, family labels, greetings). A theoretical model from the eight themes and 39 higher order categories emerged, indicating the importance of initial internal emotions, confidence related to trans men’s identity processes, and the ways in which positive interpersonal interactions affect positive emotions. Implications include using emotion-focused therapy and including more positivity into trans individuals’ experiences and emotions.