Efficacy of integrative psychotherapy group therapy on identity crisis and self-image in people with gender dysphoria

Background: Individuals with gender dysphoria often face challenges, social discrimination, and difficulties in defining their own identity.The existing literature highlights the need for therapeutic interventions tailored to the unique psychological needs of this population.Unified group psychotherapy, which incorporates multiple therapeutic approaches, offers a promising solution to support individuals with gender dysphoria in exploring and affirming their identities and improving their positive self-concept and resilience.However, empirical research on the effectiveness of such interventions in addressing identity crises and improving self-concept in individuals with gender dysphoria is still limited.Aims: The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of unified group psychotherapy on identity crises and self-concept in individuals with gender dysphoria.Methods: The present research employed a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a control group.The statistical population comprised all individuals with gender dysphoria in Isfahan province in the year 2022.Thirty individuals were selected using convenience sampling method and randomly assigned to two groups: experimental (n= 15) and control (n= 15).The research instruments used in this study were the Identity Crisis Questionnaire (Ahmadi, 1999) and the Self-Perception Profile (Harter & Pike, 1984).Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was employed to analyze the data using SPSS version 25.Results: The results indicated that in both the identity crisis and self-concept variables, the psychotherapy group in the posttest phase showed significantly lower means compared to the control group (p< 0.05).Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that with the assistance of unified group psychotherapy, variables such as identity crisis and self-concept in individuals with gender dysphoria can be influenced.This approach in this field can contribute valuable practical knowledge and experience to clinical practice and aid in improving therapeutic methods.