Investigation of body image perception, self-esteem, and self-confidence in female-to-male transsexuals before and after sex reassignment surgery

Abstract

Purpose: The study was aimed at investigatting the changes in body image perception, self-esteem, and self-confidence of female-to-male transsexuals (FtM) after sex reassignment surgery (SRS).

Design and methods: The quasi-experimental study was conducted with the female individuals who undergo FtM SRS between May 2018 and May 2019. The study data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Body Image Scale, Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory, and Self-Confidence Scale.

Findings: It was observed that the patients' postoperative body image perception, self-esteem, and self-confidence improved. As their postoperative body image perception was higher than was their preoperative body image perception, their postoperative self-esteem and self-confidence levels were also higher. In addition, as their self-esteem increased, so did their self-confidence.

Practice implications: It was found that the patients' postoperative body image perception, self-esteem, and self-confidence improved.