Comparing the Effectiveness of Reality Therapy Based on Choice Theory and Schema Therapy on Identity Dimensions in People with Gender Dysphoria

Gender dysphoria is a psychological condition that presents individuals with identity challenges from childhood to adulthood. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Reality Therapy based on Choice Theory and Schema Therapy on dimensions of identity in individuals with gender dysphoria (transsexuals). The present study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, control group, and follow-up period. The population consisted of all individuals with gender dysphoria referred to the Mehtaa Association in Tehran in 2023. A purposeful sampling method was used to select 45 individuals who were randomly assigned to three groups of 15: Reality Therapy, Schema Therapy, and a control group. Data was collected using the Chick et al. (2000) Identity Dimensions Scale and analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA. The results showed that both Reality Therapy based on Choice Theory and Schema Therapy were effective in improving the personal and relational dimensions of identity in individuals with gender dysphoria but had no significant effect on the social and collective dimensions of identity. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the mean scores between the post-test and follow-up phases, and the effectiveness of the interventions was maintained during the follow-up period. The findings suggest that both Reality Therapy based on Choice Theory and Schema Therapy are effective in improving the dimensions of identity in individuals with gender dysphoria. Therefore, by employing the techniques of these two approaches, the dimensions of identity involved in gender dysphoria can be strengthened or preserved.