Psychological self perception in transsexual patients

Abstract

A review of the literature on transsexualism reveals a lack of systematic research on self perception. The present study was directed toward ascertaining whether selected gender and evaluative aspects of self perception could be established as correlates of particular gender 'identity/role' constellations. A self concept system model for understanding gender identity in terms of relationships with specific referents was proposed. Gender-related aspects of self perception were examined for 48 male and female subjects, representing transsexual, homosexual, and heterosexual psychosexual orientations. Measuring instruments consisted of IacKenzie's Diagnostic Criteria Scales, the Bern Sex Role Inventory, the Maf err Inventories of masculine and Feminine Values, the Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Repertory Grid Technique. Stepwise multiple discriminant analyses were conducted on the 30 construct variables and on the 7 behaviour variables derived from these instruments. •Results were examined with respect to the obtained discrimination of subject groups on the basis of selected variables. Findings indicated that reasonable discrimination between transsexual, nontranssexual male, and nontranssexual female groupings of subjects could be achieved on the basisof ten discriminating construct variables, and to a lesser extent on the basis of four discriminating behaviour variables. The nature of construct discriminations suggested that transsexuals conceive maleness and femaleness differently than do nontranssexual males and females. The implications of these results were discussed with particular focus on conceptualizations of gender identity. Consideration was directed toward seeking clarity and consensus of gender identity referents.