Table 2 The process of the analysis, moving from the text (meaning unit) to codes, subthemes, and themes

I have learnt of many good ideas and so on, and also talked with others

Recognising oneself in other girls

Finding a social oasis to challenge gendered expectations

Being confirmed in a non-judging and supportive atmosphere

Not being alone

Before, I only focused on just one thing, but now I have been able to see that, yes, but perhaps it is this and this too, and then it’s somehow easier to deal with it

It is not my fault

Seeing causes and connections

Making space for reflections on gender and stress

It’s like a fear of failure and not being good enough, which is very typical for many girls

Feeling pressures and inequalities (as girls)

Reduced symptoms

Being bodily empowered

I listen more to how my body feels. My body reacts directly if it becomes difficult

Listening and understanding bodily signals

Approaching the problematic body

I have a better relationship to my body now

Feeling trust and being conscious of the body

Finding breathing space

It is, as you are stopping, a very concrete stop and like really relax on the floor and try to drop all these thoughts

Time for silence and reflection

Upgrading oneself and one’s abilities

Valuing oneself

Like, you have come to realise that everyone else is not better

Thinking more positively

I have stopped seeing problems that do not exist

Slowing down the pace and prioritising needs

Switching pace in life

I have more energy to do more things, but at the same time I have not quite that many things to do any longer

Releasing energy and decreasing demands

Altering gendered positions and stance to life

It’s really important to stay away from all that and try not to compete. You cannot be coolest, not be prettiest, or never be the best at everything

Managing and resisting (social/gendered) expectations

Setting limits and resisting outer pressure