Comparison of Family Functioning from the Perspective of Individuals with Gender Dysphoria Rejected by Their Families and Those Not Rejected

Abstract

Abstract:

Background and Objective: Gender dysphoria is a phenomenon whose root cause has not yet been discovered and is accompanied by various challenges, including conflict with family. The present study aims to compare and examine the family functioning of individuals with gender dysphoria who have been rejected by their families and those who have not been rejected, conducted at the Mehr-e Pedari Association in the Isfahan County district.

Materials and Methods: This study was descriptive and post-event in nature. Due to limited access to individuals with gender dysphoria, sampling was done using the available method. Based on the diagnostic criteria of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 30 individuals with gender dysphoria who had been rejected and 30 individuals who had not been rejected were assessed using the 53-item Persian Family Functioning Questionnaire. Their perspectives on family functioning were evaluated. The psychometric properties of this questionnaire were satisfactory, with an internal consistency coefficient for the entire scale calculated using Cronbach’s alpha at 0.96, and for subscales ranging between 0.60 and 0.75 (p<0.001). The collected data were analyzed using statistical methods including mean comparison and independent sample t-tests, conducted via PSS 19 software.

Findings: Data analysis revealed that in terms of family functioning from the perspective of rejected and non-rejected individuals, there were significant differences between the two groups in the components of communication (P=0.000), emotional intimacy (P=0.001), role performance (P=0.000), and problem-solving (P=0.49). Based on the mean scores, families of individuals with gender dysphoria showed low performance in these components

Conclusion: According to the findings, rejected and non-rejected individuals with gender dysphoria have different perceptions of their family’s functioning in areas such as communication, emotional intimacy, role performance, and problem-solving. Supporting these individuals through family interventions can enhance their adaptability, improve family dynamics, and facilitate easier acceptance of the condition. Furthermore, raising awareness among families about the emotional and developmental needs of their children may help reduce harmful reactions resulting from confronting a gender dysphoria diagnosis and associated maladaptive behaviors.