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Psychometric validation of the Italian Gender Preoccupation and Stability Questionnaire in a gender-diverse clinical
Paolo Meneguzzo1,2,3, David Dal Brun1, Alberto Scala3,4
1Department of Neuroscience, University of Padovahttps://ror.org/00240q980, Padova, Italy.
Background:
Understanding gender identity in transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals is crucial for effective care. The Gender Preoccupation and Stability Questionnaire (GPSQ) measures the preoccupation and stability of gender identity, but no Italian validation is available.
Aims:
This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt and validate the Italian version of the GPSQ in a clinical sample of TGD adults.
Method:
The GPSQ was translated with a forward-backward method and completed by 151 TGD adults at a gender clinic. Participants also filled out the Symptom Checklist-58 and Body Uneasiness Test. We assessed structural validity (EFA), internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and examined known-groups and predictive validity.
Results:
The EFA supported a four-factor structure - Gender Identity Instability, Cognitive-Affective Salience, Preoccupation, and Distress/Intervention-Oriented Reflection - with good fit (root mean square error of approximation 0.06; Comparative Fit Index 0.95; Tucker-Lewis Index 0.93; standard root mean square residual 0.04). The GPSQ showed solid internal consistency (α = 0.78; ω = 0.73) and excellent test-retest reliability (r = 0.98; intraclass correlation coefficient 0.98). Higher scores correlated with psychological distress (r = 0.55, p < 0.001) and body image concerns (r = 0.48, p < 0.001). Preoccupation was most linked to obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and Cognitive-Affective Salience to body image concerns. Participants not on hormones scored higher (p = 0.010, Cohen's d = 0.36).
Conclusions:
The Italian GPSQ is a reliable and valid tool to assess gender-related preoccupation and identity instability in TGD individuals. Its multidimensional structure makes it useful in both clinical practice and research in the Italian context.
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