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Vol. 45 No. 1 (2025)
Revista Portuguesa de Psicanálise

Pesquisa

Experiences of the Body in Trans People

https://doi.org/10.51356/rpp.451a5

Published 2025-06-30

  • Daniel Matias

Daniel Matias
Sociedade Portuguesa de Psicologia Clínica

Abstract

The trans phenomenon is currently understood as being representative of a whole series of tensions on a social, political and cultural level, as well as in the way the clinic views these formulations. Central to this discourse is that the body emerges as an important dimension, considering its transformations as representative of a greater degree of personal freedom. This study seeks to address the experience of trans people’s bodies. Using the terms proposed by Lemma (2022), we sought to understand the experience provided by the study participants in relation to the ‘given body’ and the ‘right body’/ideal body. Methodologically, we opted for qualitative research, using the biographical-narrative-interpretative method. In terms of the results obtained, it was found that the period of puberty/adolescence is of particular importance in the transition between the given body and the ideal body, with a diversity of positions transpiring in relation to this formation. The transition process is given deep reflection, with surgery appearing as an option rather than an obvious necessity. In its concluding remarks, the study points to the ethical implications of psychoanalytic theory and practice in dealing with this phenomenon.

Keywords

trans, body, gender, psychoanalytic theory

PDF (Português)

Author Biography

Daniel Matias

Psicólogo clínico (ISPA), Doutor Europeu em Estudos Culturais (FCSH-UNL). Membro da Sociedade Portuguesa de Psicologia Clínica. Realiza investigação, de carácter transdisciplinar, nas áreas do género e sexualidade, trauma e violência.

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