Specifics and challenges of psychological assessment of transsexual individuals – 3 years of experience

An integral part of the process of the transition of transsexual individuals is the complete psychiatric and psychological evaluation. Psychological evaluation of these persons has specifics of its own, particularly in the... [ view full abstract ]

An integral part of the process of the transition of transsexual individuals is the complete psychiatric and psychological evaluation. Psychological evaluation of these persons has specifics of its own, particularly in the context of evaluation and approval of the transition process. Transsexual individuals entering this process are usually highly motivated after years of anticipation. On the other hand, the life experiences of transsexual people very often include discrimination and traumatization, all of which have a significant impact on the attitude toward psychological assessment (dissimulative attitude, distrust, etc.). Literature related to the psychological evaluation of these persons is very limited, and does not provide enough guidance.

In this paper we present our experiences and results of our clients in the past 5 years. We will also consider the impact that the assessment has, in this specific context, on the results of psychological testing. [ view full abstract ]

In this paper we present our experiences and results of our clients in the past 5 years. We will also consider the impact that the assessment has, in this specific context, on the results of psychological testing.

Our clients (N = 35) have passed through the standard procedure of psychological exploration (Interview, WAIS, MCMI-III, PAI, Rorschach) in the assessment for entry into the process of transition. [ view full abstract ]

Our clients (N = 35) have passed through the standard procedure of psychological exploration (Interview, WAIS, MCMI-III, PAI, Rorschach) in the assessment for entry into the process of transition.

We will show the results of psychological exploration on two self-report instruments (MCMI-III and PAI). [ view full abstract ]

We will show the results of psychological exploration on two self-report instruments (MCMI-III and PAI).

The results support the disimulative tendencies (in a significant part, but not in all subjects). In the domain of personal style mostly pronounced are paranoid and narcissistic traits. [ view full abstract ]

The results support the disimulative tendencies (in a significant part, but not in all subjects). In the domain of personal style mostly pronounced are paranoid and narcissistic traits.

The results are consistent with the anticipated, in respect to the specific context of the assessment. The test results appear to reflect the current state more than permanent personality traits, which further complicates the... [ view full abstract ]

The results are consistent with the anticipated, in respect to the specific context of the assessment. The test results appear to reflect the current state more than permanent personality traits, which further complicates the psychological evaluation of these clients. Accordingly, we believe that the standard psychological exploration is insufficient to give a complete picture of the functioning of these persons, and that long-term monitoring with full awareness of the life context (discrimination, the accumulation of trauma) and the specific motivation at the time of assessment is required.