Cross-dressing as a meaningful occupation: a single case study

Curtis, Morag and Morris, Karen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9272-4994 (2015) Cross-dressing as a meaningful occupation: a single case study. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 78 (11). pp. 706-712.

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Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experience of cross-dressing, to raise awareness of cross-dressing and investigate any possible implications for occupational therapy.

Method: A single design case study utilizing an unstructured interview was used with a male cross-dresser known to the first author. Following transcription, flexible and ongoing analysis was undertaken following an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach and emergent themes resulted in an ongoing literature review.

Findings: The themes that developed were ‘identity’, ‘dressing’ and ‘conflict’. A complexity of meanings related to cross-dressing also emerged: uncontrollable urge; erotic expression; sexual orientation; and a sense of completeness.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that cross-dressing is a meaningful occupation and as such influences identity formation and occupational choices. Occupational therapists have a duty of care to this vulnerable and alienated group within society.

Item Type:	Article
Journal / Publication Title:	British Journal of Occupational Therapy
Publisher:	SAGE publications
ISSN:	1477-6006
Departments:	Academic Departments > Health, Psychology & Social Studies (HPSS) > Rehabilitation
Depositing User:	Insight Administrator
Date Deposited:	21 Mar 2016 12:43
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2024 14:16
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/2032

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