A scoping review of the literature exploring experiences in the trans and gender diverse community with chest binding practices

In an effort to address disproportionate levels of poor mental health, stigma, and discrimination outcomes experienced by the Australian trans and gender diverse population, gender affirming care has become an important part of state government health priorities. One form of this affirming care is chest binding, and despite its historic use in the trans community, little is known about experiences and outcomes of this practice.

Method: The following paper presents the findings of a scoping review search of the literature. We applied the search strategy across six databases, and the articles were screened for relevance to the research question. A total of 34 articles were found, and these were subjected to a thematic synthesis and consolidation of the available evidence on this topic.

Results: Seven themes were established across literature findings: physical health, identity and presentation, chest dysphoria, other mental health, effectiveness, knowledge, and accessibility. Most notably, consistent evidence of negative physical impacts from chest binding were found, alongside a clear continuation of the practice in trans populations despite these impacts. A variety of beneficial reasons for continuing the practice were found, namely identity and presentation motivations, chest dysphoria alleviation, and mental health benefits. Furthermore, knowledge attainment and accessibility of binding were established as areas of weakness within the literature.

Conclusion: As political and societal pressures continue to antagonize trans lives, this young area of research may assist in providing treatment and solace to a vulnerable community. More empirical exploration is needed to understand the nuances of chest binding, in order to ensure its safe and effective provision in gender affirming care.

© 2024 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

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