Study of the Psychosocial outcomes of Being Transsexual in Iran

Introduction:  One of the aspects of identity in each person is gender identity that organizes individual's roles and expectations associated with his/her gender. Interfering with the process of sexual identity formation can lead to mental disorders, which is defined as Gender Identity Disorder (GID) by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Method: This qualitative study was conducted using content analysis method. In this study, 10 transsexuals were included using purposive sampling and theoretical saturation. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. Demographic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results:   The results of interviews indicated that negative reactions of family, social isolation (lack of social acceptance), and deviant behaviors are the main problems that transsexuals face with. Transsexuality is accompanied by displeasure feeling of social isolation and decreased social capital and quality of life. Conclusion:  According to the results, the main psycho-social problems of transsexuals are due to negative attitudes of society, which have negative effects on transsexuals and their family, so that most of them experience deprivation, social isolation, running away from home, drug addiction, suicide attempts, and other psychophysical disorders, which not only reduce transsexuals' satisfaction after sex reassignment surgery, but also makes it difficult for them to comply with the new gender role.