Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
06:24
Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies
Published on: January 10, 2025
Temperament and character in transsexuals
Esther Gómez-Gil1, Fernando Gutiérrez, Silvia Cañizares
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Institut Clínic of Neurosciences/IDIBAPS Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain.
Psychiatry Research
|August 21, 2013
Summary
Transsexual individuals exhibit distinct personality traits compared to cisgender controls, yet their overall profiles are similar. Transgender personality traits align more closely with their affirmed gender identity.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Endocrinology
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Understanding the psychological profiles of transgender individuals is crucial for comprehensive care.
- Previous research has explored various aspects of transgender identity, but personality trait comparisons require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the personality profiles of male-to-female (MF) and female-to-male (FM) transsexual individuals with cisgender control groups.
- To identify specific differential personality traits between transsexual groups and controls, and between MF and FM transsexuals.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) to assess personality traits.
- Compared TCI profiles of 166 MF and 88 FM transsexuals against cisgender male and female control groups.
Main Results:
- Transsexual individuals (MF and FM) showed significantly lower scores in "more independent" (RD4) and "more self-centeredness" (C3) compared to cisgender controls.
- MF transsexuals exhibited higher scores in "more fatigable" (HA4), "more spiritual acceptance" (ST, ST3), and "more sentimental" (RD1), but lower in "more opportunistic" (C5) and "less cooperativeness" (C).
- FM transsexuals scored lower in "more daring and confident" (HA2), "less sentimental" (RD), and "more opportunistic" (C5) compared to cisgender females. MF transsexuals generally showed more pronounced differences than FM transsexuals when compared to their respective cisgender counterparts.
Conclusions:
- Transsexual and cisgender individuals share a largely similar personality profile, with some specific differential traits identified.
- The personality profile of transsexual individuals more closely resembles that of individuals sharing their gender identity than their anatomical sex.
- These findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of personality in transgender populations and support the congruence of personality with gender identity.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Personality Theory by Eysenck and Eysenck
Hans and Sybil Eysenck developed a widely recognized theory of personality, which emphasizes the role of temperament and genetically based differences in shaping individual traits. Their theory posits that biological factors primarily determine personality and can be understood through two main dimensions: extroversion/introversion and neuroticism/stability.
In the extroversion/introversion dimension, highly extroverted people are sociable, outgoing, and easily connect with others. In contrast,...
In the extroversion/introversion dimension, highly extroverted people are sociable, outgoing, and easily connect with others. In contrast,...
01:30Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Socio-emotional development in infancy is primarily shaped by early emotional responses and social connections, with temperament playing a central role. Temperament refers to the consistent patterns in an individual's emotional and behavioral responses, observable even in infancy. By examining temperament, researchers can better understand an infant's unique ways of interacting with the world, influencing subsequent personality and socio-emotional growth.
Primary Temperament Types
Stella Chess...
Primary Temperament Types
Stella Chess...
01:17Traits and States
Personality traits represent consistent patterns in behavior, thoughts, and emotions, reflecting an individual's tendencies across various situations. For example, extraversion, a well-known trait, manifests in individuals as talkative, energetic, and enthusiastic behaviors. These traits are stable over time, offering a reliable framework for predicting how people might act in different contexts. However, they do not define every moment of an individual's life. In contrast to traits, states are...
01:26Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Anal
Sigmund Freud's theory of psychosexual development describes the anal stage as occurring between 18 months and three years of age. During this period, children derive pleasure from controlling and releasing their bowel movements. However, they quickly learn that societal expectations impose restrictions on when and where this can happen. This stage marks a critical point where children begin to develop a sense of control and mastery over their bodily functions, as well as their broader...
01:12Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Phallic
The third stage of psychosexual development proposed by Freud is the phallic stage, occurring between the ages of 3 and 6. During this period, children become aware of their bodies and the differences between males and females. The erogenous zone in this stage is the genitals, and conflicts arise as children develop desires toward the opposite-sex parent. Boys experience the Oedipus complex, where they desire their mother and view their father as a rival. This leads to castration anxiety, the...
01:23Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Genital
The genital stage is the final phase of Sigmund Freud's theory of psychosexual development, beginning at puberty, around age 12. During this stage, sexual energy shifts from self-focused interests to external individuals, marking the development of mature adult sexuality. Freud saw this phase as a time of sexual reawakening, with desires directed toward others outside the family. A healthy transition into this stage, according to Freud, signifies the emergence of two key aspects of adult...