engleski

Being transsexual in Croatia

Transsexual people have a deep and abiding sense of discrepancy between their biological sex and gender identity and seek a permanent life in the desired gender role. Higher prevalence of mental health problems among transsexual individuals (TS) could be illuminated through the Minority Stress Model proposed by Meyer (1995). This framework suggests that stigma, prejudice, and discrimination create a hostile social environment, which causes internalized transphobia and mental health problems including depression, anxiety, and post- traumatic stress. In Croatia, transgender individuals face numerous social and medical obstacles. The aim of this study was to depict the factors contributing to the psychosocial adjustment of TS individuals living in Croatia. Results show that 1/3 of participants have severe psychological disturbances, MtF participants have lower mental health than FtM participants. Experience of discrimination and stigmatization is risk factor for stress and depression. Main sources of discriminative behaviors: administrative stuff, colleagues, family members. The results confirm the Minority stress model. There is a higher prevalence of mental health problems among TS individuals, especially excessive stress and depressive mood, due to the discriminative behaviors displayed from society.

transsexuality, Croatian context

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