engleski

Being Transsexual in Croatia: Minority Stress Model

In Croatia, transgender individuals face numerous social and medical obstacles throughout the process of transition. The aim of this study was to depict the factors contributing to the psychosocial adjustment of six transsexual individuals living in Croatia following SRS. A combination of quantitative and qualitative self-report methods was used. Due to the specificity of the sample, the data were collected online. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess mental health and quality of life alongside a series of open-ended questions divided into 4 themes: the decision making process regarding SRS ; social and medical support during the SRS process ; the experience of discrimination and stigmatizing behaviors ; psychosocial adjustment after SRS. Despite the unfavorable circumstances in Croatian society, participants demonstrated stable mental, social and professional functioning, as well as a relative resilience to minority stress. Results also reveal the role of pre-transition factors such as high SES, good premorbid functioning and high motivation for SRS in successful psychosocial adjustment. During and after the transition, participants reported experiencing good social support and satisfaction with surgical treatment and outcomes. Any difficulties reported by participants related to either sexual relationships or internalized transphobia. The results also demonstrate the potentially protective role that a lengthier process of transition plays in countries such as Croatia.

Transsexual, psychosocial adjustment, Croatia

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