Comparison of self-harm and defense mechanisms in individuals with Gender Identity Disorder before and after sex reassignment surgery

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Clinical psychology, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan Branch

2 Research and education Unite, Qazvin office of education

Abstract

Introduction:Individuals with gender identity disorder (GID) experienceseries of adjustment problems in society before and after sex reassignment surgery. The aim of this study was to compare self-harm and defense mechanisms before and after sex reassignment surgery in these persons.
Method: We used a case- control design, in quantitative stage 30 people with GID before surgery and 30 people with GID after surgery and normal people were investigated.
Results:Data analysis by a Multivariate analysis of variance were showndecreasedtrend of directly self-harm behaviors after surgery, whereas there were not any differences in indirect self-harm behaviors  before and after surgery. No differences was found in neurotic and mature defense mechanisms between groups.
Conclusion: It seemthat the sex reassignment surgery could effectivelydecreasethe directly self-harm and immature defense mechanisms, while it has no effect in changing indirect self-harm, neurotic and mature defense mechanisms. It could be concluded that indirect self-harm sustains even after sex reassignment surgery that need to be targeted with psychological and social interventions. Changing in the immature defense mechanisms could be considered as a valid indicator of physical and psychological treatments.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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History

  • Receive Date: 06 May 2017
  • Revise Date: 17 March 2018
  • Accept Date: 20 December 2017

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