First Advisor

Johnson, Brian

First Committee Member

Kahlo, Danielle

Second Committee Member

Moore, Mel

Third Committee Member

Lunaris, Charlie

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Document Type

Dissertation

Date Created

8-2025

Department

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Applied Psychology and Counselor Education, APCE Student Work

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the ways in which trans and gender-diverse individuals engage with social virtual reality (VR), what kinds of experiences they have on social VR platforms, and how their experiences translate into gender identity exploration, expression, and development. Inquiry was driven by two primary research questions: (a) What are the experiences of trans and gender diverse individuals in social VR platforms and (b) How do trans and gender diverse individuals use social VR to develop and to express their gender identities? This study utilized a qualitative and phenomenological methodology that was guided by a social constructionist perspective. Ten trans and gender diverse social VR users participated in semi-structured interviews and the transcripts were analyzed. From these interviews, four primary themes are identified: (a) socialization; (b) intersectionality; (c) facilitating identity development; and (d) offline benefits. These themes, their associated subthemes, their connections to the broader literature, and their implications for future study and clinical implementation were discussed. The findings of this study highlighted the central role of social support and safety in helping individuals navigate gender identity exploration, the function of embodied interaction through avatars in social VR environments, and the various psychosocial benefits of engaging in social VR for gender identity development purposes. The results also indicated future directions for research into the fluidity of gender identity and gender expression. Finally, the sociopolitical iv context of this study was addressed and discussed as it pertained to implications for care for trans and gender diverse individuals utilizing new technologies to develop their gender identities.

Abstract Format

html

Places

Greeley, Colorado

Extent

180 pages

Local Identifiers

Sullivan_unco_0161D_11354.pdf

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

Digital Origin

Born digital

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