Abstract

This theoretical paper combines historical and construction research in order to explore the concept of transgender identity formation in adolescents. A pre-existing model of transgender identity formation by Aaron H. Devor (2004) is matched stage-by-stage with Phil Jones' (1996) core concepts in dramatherapy, and adapted to create a new proposed model for dramatherapists working to help gender-dysphoric adolescents manage anxiety. Chapter One defines necessary terms and introduces the topic, while Chapter Two provides a brief review of Gender Dysphoria. Chapter Three discusses adolescents, anxiety and therapy, and Chapters Four, Five, and Six explore the stages of transgender identity formation and dramatherapy. Chapter Seven adds a discussion of the theoretical findings and leads to possible future applications of the proposed working model.