Abstract: (460 Views)
Background and Objective: Among us, there are individuals who are physically healthy but experience gender dysphoria mentally and emotionally. Gender dysphoria is a psychological condition where an individual feels discomfort and incongruence with their assigned gender to the extent that it leads to severe psychological distress and ultimately a decision to undergo gender transition. Gender dysphoria is associated with a decrease in mental well-being and satisfaction with one's gender. This reduction in gender satisfaction may act as a source of stress in daily life, leading individuals to employ more primitive defense mechanisms. Defense mechanisms help individuals cope with anxiety and prevent their psychological breakdown. Defense mechanisms are classified into three categories: mature, neurotic, and immature. These mechanisms range from highly developed and adaptive to highly maladaptive and are hierarchically organized. One of the rarely explored variables in research related to gender dysphoria is defense mechanisms. However, previous research has indicated the significant role of defense mechanisms in gender dysphoria. Therefore, it is essential to consider the defense mechanisms of these individuals in therapeutic interventions to identify and initiate the treatment process effectively. The aim of this study was to compare the defense mechanisms of individuals with gender dysphoria and normal individuals.
Research Method: The research method employed was analytical, utilizing a causal-comparative design. The target population consisted of individuals with gender dysphoria of both genders who sought assistance from the Welfare Organization of Shiraz during the years 2015 to 2016. Due to sampling constraints, the sampling method was convenience sampling. The sample included 23 individuals with gender dysphoria and 23 individuals in the control group (healthy individuals with no history of neurological or psychiatric disorders), matched in terms of age, gender, and education level. The Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ) by Andrews et al. (1993) was used to assess defense mechanisms.In Iran, Heydari Nasab et al. (2006) calculated the structural validity of the questionnaire, obtaining coefficients ranging from 0.72 to 0.87. The reliability of the questionnaire, using Cronbach's alpha, was found to be 0.55, 0.50, and 0.72 for mature, neurotic, and immature defense styles, respectively. Basharat et al. (2001) reported Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.75, 0.73, and 0.74 for mature, immature, and neurotic defense styles, respectively, and a test-retest reliability coefficient of 0.82 after a 4-week interval.Entry criteria included a diagnosis of gender dysphoria, no complaints about gender identity in normal individuals in Shiraz, a minimum age of 15 years, a maximum age of 64 years, and a minimum of a third-grade guidance school education (MANOVA).
Findings: The research findings revealed a significant difference in the use of immature defense mechanisms between individuals with gender dysphoria and normal individuals (p < 0.05). Therefore, individuals with gender dysphoria tend to use immature defense mechanisms more than normal individuals. Nemat (2008), citing Jovanardi, concluded that there is a direct relationship between low mental health and the use of immature defense mechanisms, correlated with indicators of mental health such as depression and anxiety. It can be inferred that the use of immature defense mechanisms is directly related to some mental disorders. Gender dysphoria is associated with a decrease in mental well-being and satisfaction with one's gender. According to Ehsani Zadeh et al. (2015), this decrease in sexual satisfaction may act as a source of daily life stress, leading individuals with gender dysphoria to have a higher inclination to use immature defense mechanisms. However, there was no significant difference between mature and neurotic defense mechanisms. The results of this study can contribute to future research in this area and the development of more effective approaches when working with individuals experiencing gender dysphoria. The findings may have a significant impact on therapeutic interventions, emphasizing the importance of considering defense styles in the diagnosis and treatment of these individuals. Additionally, after gender reassignment surgery and hormonal therapy, collaborative psychotherapeutic interventions can help reduce immature defense mechanisms and promote the development of mature defense mechanisms, ultimately enhancing the well-being of individuals with gender dysphoria.
Results : Considering that individuals with gender dysphoria tend to use immature defense mechanisms more than normal individuals, psychological interventions such as psychotherapy, alongside other medical measures, can be effective in enhancing the well-being of these individuals.
Research Method: The research method employed was analytical, utilizing a causal-comparative design. The target population consisted of individuals with gender dysphoria of both genders who sought assistance from the Welfare Organization of Shiraz during the years 2015 to 2016. Due to sampling constraints, the sampling method was convenience sampling. The sample included 23 individuals with gender dysphoria and 23 individuals in the control group (healthy individuals with no history of neurological or psychiatric disorders), matched in terms of age, gender, and education level. The Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ) by Andrews et al. (1993) was used to assess defense mechanisms.In Iran, Heydari Nasab et al. (2006) calculated the structural validity of the questionnaire, obtaining coefficients ranging from 0.72 to 0.87. The reliability of the questionnaire, using Cronbach's alpha, was found to be 0.55, 0.50, and 0.72 for mature, neurotic, and immature defense styles, respectively. Basharat et al. (2001) reported Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.75, 0.73, and 0.74 for mature, immature, and neurotic defense styles, respectively, and a test-retest reliability coefficient of 0.82 after a 4-week interval.Entry criteria included a diagnosis of gender dysphoria, no complaints about gender identity in normal individuals in Shiraz, a minimum age of 15 years, a maximum age of 64 years, and a minimum of a third-grade guidance school education (MANOVA).
Findings: The research findings revealed a significant difference in the use of immature defense mechanisms between individuals with gender dysphoria and normal individuals (p < 0.05). Therefore, individuals with gender dysphoria tend to use immature defense mechanisms more than normal individuals. Nemat (2008), citing Jovanardi, concluded that there is a direct relationship between low mental health and the use of immature defense mechanisms, correlated with indicators of mental health such as depression and anxiety. It can be inferred that the use of immature defense mechanisms is directly related to some mental disorders. Gender dysphoria is associated with a decrease in mental well-being and satisfaction with one's gender. According to Ehsani Zadeh et al. (2015), this decrease in sexual satisfaction may act as a source of daily life stress, leading individuals with gender dysphoria to have a higher inclination to use immature defense mechanisms. However, there was no significant difference between mature and neurotic defense mechanisms. The results of this study can contribute to future research in this area and the development of more effective approaches when working with individuals experiencing gender dysphoria. The findings may have a significant impact on therapeutic interventions, emphasizing the importance of considering defense styles in the diagnosis and treatment of these individuals. Additionally, after gender reassignment surgery and hormonal therapy, collaborative psychotherapeutic interventions can help reduce immature defense mechanisms and promote the development of mature defense mechanisms, ultimately enhancing the well-being of individuals with gender dysphoria.
Results : Considering that individuals with gender dysphoria tend to use immature defense mechanisms more than normal individuals, psychological interventions such as psychotherapy, alongside other medical measures, can be effective in enhancing the well-being of these individuals.
Keywords: Gender, Gender dysphoria, defense mechanisms, gender identity disorder, defense styles, defense
Type of Study: Original Research Article |
Subject:
Psychology
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