Exploring understandings of trans people's experiences of gender euphoria: A systematic review and metasynthesis

BackgroundGender euphoria refers to the positive gender experiences of trans people and has been established within trans communities for decades; however, the construct has only relatively recently been acknowledged in academia.AimsTo systematically explore trans people's experiences of gender euphoria as described within academic literature.MethodFive databases were searched for qualitative and quantitative peer-reviewed publications that included primary findings on gender euphoria. A total of 20 studies were identified for inclusion and a meta-synthesis was conducted using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsFive themes were developed: (1) Gender euphoria as motivation for self-exploration, (2) Gender euphoria as embodiment and affect, (3) Gender euphoria and a sense of community, (4) Gender euphoria as a protective factor, and (5) Gender euphoria from external affirmation.ConclusionsThe current findings on gender euphoria illustrate the potential for gender euphoria to shape trans research toward a more holistic and transformative understanding of transness.