A study of 166 trans men aged 18 to 30 found that gender congruence—the experience of feeling harmony with one’s gender—improves their overall quality of life. Published in the International Journal of Transgender Health, the study also found that “gender-affirming care improved gender congruence and indirectly enhanced body satisfaction.”

The research was conducted by Breda University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands along with Nottingham Trent University in London and is considered a significant addition to data on trans men, which is lacking.

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“Trans men face unique challenges, including a reduced focus in research and broader societal discussions, which limits our understanding of their specific needs,” the authors wrote. “While some trans men may find reduced focus a relief from public scrutiny, this undermines the broader push for tailored support and paints an incomplete picture of their experiences, particularly in areas relating to gender congruence and body image.”

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They also acknowledged little has been done to investigate the pressures trans men no doubt experience to perform masculinity and adhere to male gender norms.

“Addressing this underrepresentation is crucial as their experiences differ significantly from the pressures experienced by trans women and non-binary individuals,” the study said, adding that it is as important to explore quality of life for trans people as it is to research suicidality.

The study determined that gender congruence is positively associated with quality of life in three of four categories: psychological, physiological, and environmental.

Gender congruence, however, did not show an association with improved quality of life in the social category. The researchers hypothesized it may be due to the “unique dynamics” of trans social relationships. “Many TGD individuals form social bonds within similar communities, where shared experiences of minority stress foster connections that are less dependent on personal gender congruence,” the study explained. “The mutual understanding and acceptance within these relationships may buffer the potential impact of gender congruence on social QoL.”

The authors concluded that their findings “underscore the need for accessible gender-affirming care that promotes both gender congruence and body satisfaction, offering a foundation for developing holistic, affirming interventions that support trans men’s diverse needs and overall well-being.”

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