Investigation of Differences in Early Maladaptive Schemas and Defense Mechanisms in Individuals with Gender Identity Disorder Compared to Normal Individuals

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the differences in early maladaptive schemas and defense mechanisms between individuals with gender identity disorder and normal individuals. The research design was causal-comparative. The study population comprised all individuals with gender identity disorder (female to male and male to female) and normal individuals in Shiraz city in the year 2023. Out of the population, 30 individuals with gender identity disorder who attended forensic medicine, psychiatric clinics, and gender change centers in Shiraz, and 30 normal individuals were selected through convenience sampling and studied. Young's Schema Questionnaire (YSQ) and the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ) were used for data collection. After data collection and extraction, the participants' scores were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis of variance with the SPSS-24 statistical software. The findings indicated significant differences in early maladaptive schemas (rejection and disconnection, impaired autonomy and performance, other-directedness, overvigilance and inhibition, and impaired limits) between individuals with gender identity disorder and normal individuals (p < .01). The results also showed significant differences in neurotic defense style and immature defense style between individuals with gender identity disorder and normal individuals (p < .01); and a significant difference was found in the mature defense style between the two groups (p < .05). Therefore, by identifying immature defense mechanisms and early maladaptive schemas and measuring their severity in individuals with gender identity disorder, psychological interventions (psychodynamic and psychoanalytic therapy) alongside other medical actions can be employed to reduce the severity of these mechanisms and schemas.