​​​Exploring the Role of Parenting and Social Media in the Experiences of Transgender Individuals​​

Carrick, Olivia

Abstract

This portfolio thesis consists of three parts: a systematic literature review, an empirical paper, and the appendices. Together, they provide a greater understanding of the role of parenting and social media in the experiences of transgender individuals.
Part One: Systematic Literature Review The systematic literature review explored the role that social media plays in the experiences of transgender individuals navigating their gender identity. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, eight of which used a qualitative methodology, whilst two adopted a mixed methods approach. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess the quality of the studies. Narrative synthesis revealed five roles that social media plays in the experiences of transgender individuals: explorational, relational, informative, supportive, and exposing. The findings demonstrate that social media can be used to foster support systems, improve wellbeing, and create opportunity for gender expression. Clinical implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Part Two: Empirical Paper The empirical paper explored how parents enable their transgender child to flourish. Nine participants took part in semi-structured interviews. A qualitative Constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT) methodology was used to generate a theory, with implications of optimising the wellbeing of transgender youth. The theory of creating a safe space emerged from the data, as parents managed their emotions, protected their child from harm, supported their gender identity exploration, and accessed support for their child to enable them to flourish. The practical applications of the flourishing framework are discussed. Clinical implications and recommendations for future research to strengthen the framework are explored.
Part Three: Appendices The appendices provide additional documentation which support the systematic literature review and empirical paper. This includes a reflective statement and an epistemological statement outlining the role and positioning of the researcher.

Citation

Carrick, O. (2023). ​​​Exploring the Role of Parenting and Social Media in the Experiences of Transgender Individuals​​. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4425737

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 26, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 1, 2023
• Keywords: Clinical psychology
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4425737
• Additional Information: School of Psychology and Social Work; University of Hull
• Award Date: Sep 19, 2023