Comparison of Self-regulation Behaviors, Social Cognition and Brain/Behavioral Systems in People with and without Gender Dysphoria Disorder

Gender dysphoria is a disorder that affects psychological and personality traits. This study aimed to compare self-regulation behaviors, social cognition, and brain behavioral systems in people with and without gender dysphoria.

Applying a causal-comparative design, among the statistical population of patients with gender dysphoria with a file in Ardabil Welfare Organization in the 2022 year a sample of 40 gender dysphoria patients was selected based on the psychiatrist's diagnosis. A group of 40 normal individuals was also selected based on clinical interviews with convenience sampling methods. Data were collected by the Self-regulation Questionnaire, The Reading Mind in the Eyes Test, and the Gray-Wilson Personality Questioner and analyzed by a multivariate analysis of variance.

The mean scores of self-regulation behaviors, social cognition, and behavioral activation system in normal subjects were higher than in individuals with gender dysphoria. However, no significant difference was observed between the mean behavioral inhibition system and the fight-flight system of patients and normal individuals.

self-regulation behaviors, social cognition, and behavioral activation system have a role in the pathology of people with gender dysphoria and psychological interventions can be effective in treating and promoting their mental health.