Citation

Morris ER, Galupo MP. Psychol. Sex. Orientat. Gend. Divers. 2019; 6(3): 296-307.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/sgd0000327

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The present study used a mixed-method approach to investigate experiences of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among transgender individuals. Participants included 462 adults who had engaged in NSSI within the last 5 years and who endorsed agender, genderqueer, gender nonconforming, transmasculine, and transfeminine transgender identities. Participants completed the Inventory of Statements about Self-Injury (ISAS), the Body Investment Scale (BIS), and an open-ended question regarding their nonsuicidal self-injurious experiences. Significant differences were found in BIS subscale scores between individuals with transmasculine and transfeminine identities compared with those with agender, genderqueer, and gender nonconforming identities. In addition, significant differences in subscales scores relevant to interpersonal functioning (ISAS) and comfort in touch (BIS) were found among agender, genderqueer, and gender nonconforming identities, marking increased enjoyment in physical contact for genderqueer individuals compared with gender nonconforming participants, and markedly greater use of interpersonal functions of NSSI for those endorsing an agender identity compared with genderqueer participants. Qualitative data revealed 2 identity-salient themes for NSSI: reduction of gender dysphoria, and management of mental disorders and chronic illness. Our qualitative analysis uncovered unique ways that NSSI was related to gender dysphoria and other aspects of experience that are not captured in traditional scales of NSSI. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)

Language: en

Keywords

Gender Identity; Major Depression; Self-Injurious Behavior; Social Skills; Symptoms; Transgender; Transsexualism