A Comparative Analysis of Gender Dysphoria, Psychological Morbidity, Social Functioning and Fear of Happiness in Non-Binary Individuals

Description

Page: 1385-1389

Rajeshwari R (Department of Psychology, Karnatak University, Dharwad, Karnatak)

This study aimed to understand the differences in gender dysphoria, psychological morbidity, social functioning and fear of happiness among the non-binary individuals identifying themselves as lesbians (n=36), gays (n=33), and Non-binary Bisexuals (n=78). The Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale-Gender Spectrum (McGuire et al., 2020), The General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg & Williams ,1979), Social functioning questionnaire (Tyrer et al., 2005), and Fear of happiness (Joshanloo, 2013) scales were used to measure gender dysphoria, psychological morbidity, social functioning and fear of happiness respectively (A one-way ANOVA was carried out to measure the differences across the three sexual orientation groups. The results showed a statistically significant difference in gender dysphoria (F = 5.83, p=.004), with the bisexual participants showing the highest levels, followed by gay and lesbian participants. However, no significant differences were observed in psychological morbidity (F= 2.47, p=.088), social functioning (F= 0.12, p = .879), fear of happiness (F= 1.53, p = .218), across groups. These findings suggest that sexual orientation within the non-binary population might significantly have effect on gender dysphoria, but it does not markedly affect the other psychological and social variables. The results accentuate the significance of focussed mental health support for bisexual non-binary individuals who could experience greater gender-related distress.