Exploring body image among transgender and nonbinary adults: Considering positive body image and the pursuit of gender-affirming surgery

This study explored body image among transgender and nonbinary adults, including their body appreciation, embodiment, general psychological distress, and gender identity-related pride. This study also considered participants' pursuit of gender-affirming surgery and mental health services. This cross-sectional survey examined participants' (<i>N</i> = 214; mean age = 28.57, SD = 9.50) body image and psychological well-being and how these may differ when considering participants' interest in gender-affirming surgeries and gender-affirming mental health services. Transgender and nonbinary participants were similar in terms of their body image, but transgender participants had less psychological distress than nonbinary participants. Participants who had no interest in or had pursued a gender-affirming surgery were more likely to experience positive body image than those who desired but had not completed a gender-affirming surgery. Participants who had no interest in or had pursued mental health services also had more positive body images than those who desired treatment but had not pursued it.