Comparing Defense Mechanisms in Individuals with Gender Dysphoria to Normal Individuals Living in Shiraz City, Iran

Alyasin , Hoorie; Feily , Alireza; Tahmasabi Bahman Biglo , Hossein

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Alyasin H, Feily A, Tahmasabi Bahman Biglo H. Comparing Defense Mechanisms in Individuals with Gender Dysphoria to Normal Individuals Living in Shiraz City, Iran. MEJDS 2025; 15 (0) :87-87
URL: http://jdisabilstud.org/article-1-3143-en.html

Comparing Defense Mechanisms in Individuals with Gender Dysphoria to Normal Individuals Living in Shiraz City, Iran

Hoorie Alyasin ^*¹

, Alireza Feily²

, Hossein Tahmasabi Bahman Biglo³

1- Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology, Yasouj Branch, University of Research Sciences, Yasouj, Iran
2- Assistant Professor of Psychology Department, Payam Noor University, Iran
3- Master's Degree in Psychology, Arsanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arsanjan, Iran

Abstract: (1548 Views)

Abstract
Background & Objectives: Among us, some individuals 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 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, this study aimed to compare the defense mechanisms of individuals with gender dysphoria and normal individuals.
Methods: The research method employed an analytical approach, 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 City, Iran, during the years 2015 to 2016. Due to sampling constraints, the sampling method used 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 inclusion criteria for the two groups 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. The Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ) (Andrews et al., 1993) was used to assess defense mechanisms. Data analysis was performed in SPSS statistical software version 24. Frequency and percentage were used to describe background variables, and mean and standard deviation were used to describe the main research variables. In the inferential section, after ensuring that the assumptions were established, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to compare the two groups in terms of defense mechanisms. The significance level in inferential analyses was 0.05.
Results: According to the descriptive findings, the two groups were similar in terms of gender composition, with 30.43% girls (7 persons) and 69.57% boys (16 persons). Individuals with gender dysphoria were similar in terms of age group to normal individuals. Given that among individuals with gender dysphoria, there were no respondents in the 40–45 age group, no respondents from the relevant age group were selected in the selection of the peer group. Additionally, most respondents (20 out of the total respondents in each group) fell within the 20–30 age range. Individuals in the two groups were similar in terms of educational level, and most respondents (21 in the gender dysphoria group and 22 in the normal group) had an education at the bachelor's level or lower. The inferential findings revealed a significant difference in the use of immature defense mechanisms between individuals with gender dysphoria and normal individuals (p = 0.05). However, the two variables of developed defense mechanism (p = 0.788) and nervousness (p = 0.322) were not significantly different between the two groups.
Conclusion: 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

Full-Text [PDF 274 kb] (49 Downloads)

Type of Study: Original Research Article | Subject: Psychology

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