The investigation of childhood trauma and post traumatic embitterment level in travesties: A comparative study

Introduction: Transvestite disorder is a disorder characterized by the pleasure of wearing a female individual's clothes and accessories. Traumatic experiences play an important role in the etiology of transvestite disorder. On the other hand, it is also possible for the person to develop post traumatic embitterment due to these traumatic experiences. Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate childhood trauma and post traumatic embitterment level in travesties in terms of various variables and to compare them with healthy men. Materials and Methods: In this study, demographic data form, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and Post Traumatic Embitterment Disorder Scale were used. The study included a total of 160 people, 80 of whom were transvestite with mean age 36,23±7,97 and 80 of whom healthy men with mean age 36,23±7,97. Findings: As a result of the correlation analysis, the relationship between childhood trauma and post traumatic embitterment was found to be stronger in transvestite individuals. The mean scores of transvestite individuals for childhood trauma and post traumatic embitterment are significantly higher than for healthy men. It has been observed that demographic variables such as educational status, number of siblings, birth order, family structure, place of life, individual and social dimensions of sexual orientation, life satisfaction, self-destructive behavior, traumatic experiences of recall-avoidance and sleep problem affect the childhood trauma and post traumatic embitterment scores. Conclusion: According to the findings of the study, childhood traumas and post traumatic embitterment were effective in individuals with transvestite disorder. A suitable therapy method for the related disorders will be effective in the treatment of transvestite disorder. Key Words: Transvestite, trauma, embitterment