Comparison between Individuals with and without Gender Identity Disorder Considering Coping Styles, Early Maladaptive Schemas, and Self-Esteem

This study was conducted to compare individuals with and without gender identity disorder considering copying styles, early maladaptive schemas, and self-esteem.

This is a causal-comparative study. Statistical population consisted of individuals with gender identity disorder in Tehran, Iran during 2016. Purposeful sampling was used as sampling method. Sample size obtained to 30 members based on causal-comparative plan; in this case, 30 members were assigned to two groups of individuals with and without gender identity disorder. Ordinary individuals were matched with individuals with identity disorder based on age, gender, education and job. All individuals signed the consent to participate in study. Endler & Parker Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form (YSQ-sf2), and Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory employed as research instruments. 

Statistical findings showed that self-esteem of ordinary individuals (20.6) was higher than individuals with gender disorder (19.1) and individuals with gender identity disorder obtained higher scores in early maladaptive schemas expect for sacrifice compared to ordinary individuals. Also, there was a significant difference between two groups in terms of emotion-oriented and avoidance-oriented coping strategy considering F value and Significance level (P<0.0001, F=16.34; P<0.02, F=5.62) while there was not any significant difference between groups in terms of task-oriented style.

individuals with gender identity disorder have low self-esteem, higher emotion-oriented coping styles and higher early maladaptive schemas.