Self-esteem and adaptation/integration of gender non-conforming, transgender and transexual (trans*) people

The journey for trans* individuals in self-identifying, disclosing, and transitioning\ud is complex and not well understood. In this study, an online survey was completed\ud by 239 adults who self-identify along the trans* continuum and have medically\ud transitioned. The survey included demographic variables along with items from standardized\ud scales used to measure self-esteem and transgender adaptation and integration.\ud Results showed that the age of identifying, socially transitioning, and medically transitioning\ud were all associated with levels of self-esteem and adaptation. The number of\ud years since both social and medical transition was significantly correlated with scores\ud on self-esteem and adaptation and integration measures. These findings have important implications for trans* individuals and gatekeepers of the transition process including\ud family members, medical and mental health providers.CSU, Chic