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“I have to constantly prove to myself, to people, that I fit the bill”: Perspectives on weight and shape control behaviors among low-income, ethnically diverse young transgender women

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  • Gordon, Allegra R.
  • Austin, S. Bryn
  • Krieger, Nancy
  • White Hughto, Jaclyn M.
  • Reisner, Sari L.

Abstract

The impact of societal femininity ideals on disordered eating behaviors in non-transgender women has been well described, but scant research has explored these processes among transgender women. The present study explored weight and shape control behaviors among low-income, ethnically diverse young transgender women at high risk for HIV or living with HIV in a Northeastern metropolitan area. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 21 participants (ages 18–31 years; mean annual income <$10,000; ethnic identity: Multiracial [n = 8], Black [n = 4], Latina [n = 4], White [n = 4], Asian [n = 1]). Interviews were transcribed and double-coded using a template organizing method, guided by ecosocial theory and a gender affirmation framework. Of 21 participants, 16 reported engaging in past-year disordered eating or weight and shape control behaviors, including binge eating, fasting, vomiting, and laxative use. Study participants described using a variety of strategies to address body image concerns in the context of gender-related and other discriminatory experiences, which shaped participants’ access to social and material resources as well as stress and coping behaviors. Disordered weight and shape control behaviors were discussed in relation to four emergent themes: (1) gender socialization and the development of femininity ideals, (2) experiences of stigma and discrimination, (3) biological processes, and (4) multi-level sources of strength and resilience. This formative study provides insight into disordered eating and weight and shape control behaviors among at-risk transgender women, illuminating avenues for future research, treatment, and public health intervention.

Suggested Citation

  • Gordon, Allegra R. & Austin, S. Bryn & Krieger, Nancy & White Hughto, Jaclyn M. & Reisner, Sari L., 2016. "“I have to constantly prove to myself, to people, that I fit the bill”: Perspectives on weight and shape control behaviors among low-income, ethnically diverse young transgender women," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 165(C), pages 141-149.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:165:y:2016:i:c:p:141-149
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.07.038
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nemoto, T. & Operario, D. & Keatley, J. & Han, L. & Soma, T., 2004. "HIV risk behaviors among male-to-female transgender persons of color in San Francisco," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(7), pages 1193-1199.
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    5. Bryn Austin, S. & Nelson, L.A. & Birkett, M.A. & Calzo, J.P. & Everett, B., 2013. "Eating disorder symptoms and obesity at the intersections of gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation in US high school students," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(2), pages 16-22.
    6. Clements-Nolle, K. & Marx, R. & Guzman, R. & Katz, M., 2001. "HIV prevalence, risk behaviors, health care use, and mental health status of transgender persons: Implications for public health intervention," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 91(6), pages 915-921.
    7. Paquette, M.-C.Marie-Claude & Raine, Kim, 2004. "Sociocultural context of women's body image," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 59(5), pages 1047-1058, September.
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