Masculinity, femininity, self-appeal, strategies of self-presentation and styles of interpersonal functioning in transsexual women

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore potential differences in gender identity and interpersonal functioning styles between transsexual and non-transsexual women. Method: The following tests were used: Bem Sex Role Inventory (Polish version), Self-Appeal Scale, Interpersonal Styles Scale, and the Strategies of Self-Presentation Questionnaire. The study group consisted of 32 adult transwomen, mean age 35.09 years. The control group consisted of 32 adult cissexual women (mean age 31.69 years) selected according to the age criterion to match the study group. Results: Transsexual women scored higher than non-transsexual women on the femininity scale, in the use of the maintaining-overprotective style, submissive-dependent style and on conformism scales. Nontranssexual women scored higher on the directive-autocratic style, aggressive-sadistic style, competitivenarcissistic style, and partner attractiveness and self-promotion scales. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups on masculinity, adonization, interpersonal attractiveness, partner appreciation, self-depreciation, the withdrawing-masochistic style, the rebellious-suspicious style, self-acceptance/complacency, pessimism/helplessness/cry for help, the lie scale, the friendly-cooperative style and the resourcefulness/realism/autonomy scales. Discussion: The study revealed that transsexual women experience themselves and the surrounding world more in accord with the stereotypes of what is feminine than non-transsexual women. This applies to their interpersonal functioning. Styles that they employ to a higher degree usually do not contain components of dominance and a need for autonomy but rather a need for affiliation and considerateness. Conclusions: Differences in gender identity and interpersonal functioning between transwomen and cissexual women might suggest that they are moderated, among other things, by the fact that the former were being raised as males and because they belong to a socially stigmatized group. It seems that transwomen function more in accordance with the stereotypes of femininity than cissexual women.