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Childhood maltreatment in subjects with male-to-female gender identity disorder

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 23, pages 276–285 (2011)Cite this article

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Abstract

Childhood maltreatment (CM) is quite common and constitutes a nonspecific risk factor for a range of different psychiatric symptoms during lifespan. It has been demonstrated that sexual minorities are at higher risk of maltreatment and abuse, and a high proportion of transsexual subjects report CM. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of reported CM in a clinical sample of patients with male-to-female Gender Identity Disorder (MtF GID), and to explore the relationship between these early life events, body image and different psychopathological and clinical variables. A consecutive series of 162 patients with male genotype was evaluated from July 2008 to May 2010. A total of 109 subjects (mean age 36±10 years) meeting the criteria for MtF GID and giving their informed consent were considered. The occurrence of CM experiences was evaluated through a face-to-face clinical interview. Patients were asked to complete the Body Uneasiness Test and Symptom Checklist-90 Revised. More than one-fourth of patients reported CM. Maltreated subjects reported a higher body dissatisfaction and display a worse lifetime mental health. The presence of reported CM in these patients has relevant psychopathological implications, and therefore should be carefully investigated.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Silvia Cerpolini, and Antonietta Costantino, (University of Bologna); Anna Gualerzi and Cinzia Catalani (University of Turin); and Silvia Di Tommaso (University of L'Aquila).

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Author notes

  1. E Bandini and A D Fisher: These authors equally contributed to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Andrology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy

    E Bandini, A D Fisher, J Ristori, G Corona, G Forti & M Maggi

  2. Department of Neurological and Psychiatric Sciences, Psychiatry Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy

    V Ricca

  3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health, S. Orsola Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

    M C Meriggiola

  4. Department of Experimental Medicine, Course of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy

    E A Jannini & E Fanni

  5. S.C.D.U. Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease, University of Turin, Turin, Italy

    C Manieri

  6. Endocrinology Unit,

    G Corona

  7. Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy

    G Corona

  8. Department of Critical Care, Diabetes Section, Geriatric Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy

    M Monami & E Mannucci

  9. Department of Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy

    A Galleni

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Appendix

Appendix

Childhood maltreatment, as derived from a clinical interview. The way of raising the questions is reported along with its relative scoring (in italics).

(1) Specific maltreatment

Emotional abuse:

‘During your childhood, were you ever shouted at/ insulted/ criticized/threatened/ignored/humiliated?’

Rating: 0=no, 1=yes.

Emotional neglect:

‘During your childhood, did you have detached and uninvolved parents?’

Rating: 0=no, 1=yes.

Physical abuse:

‘During your childhood, were you ever beaten/kicked/burnt/suffocated/cut/shot/locked up?

Rating: 0=no, 1=yes.

Physical neglect:

‘During your childhood, were you ever deprived of food/clothing/shelter/medical care?’

Rating: 0=no, 1=yes.

Sexual abuse:

‘During your childhood, were you ever sexually molested by an adult, with or without physical contact?’

Rating: 0=no, 1=yes.

(2) Frequency

‘Was this experience perpetuated several times?’

Rating: 0=no, 1=yes.

(3) Perpetrator (only for sexual abuse)

‘Was this experience perpetrated by an unknown subject?’

Rating: 0=no, 1=yes.

‘Was this experience perpetrated by a family friend?’

Rating: 0=no, 1=yes.

‘Was this experience perpetrated by a family member?’

Rating: 0=no, 1=yes.

‘Was this experience perpetrated by one or both parents?’

Rating: 0=no, 1=yes.

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Bandini, E., Fisher, A., Ricca, V. et al. Childhood maltreatment in subjects with male-to-female gender identity disorder. Int J Impot Res 23, 276–285 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijir.2011.39

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