Male-to-female transitions: Implications for occupational performance, health, and life satisfaction.

BACKGROUND

People who undergo a gender transition process experience changes in different everyday occupations. These changes may impact their health and life satisfaction.

PURPOSE: This study examined the difference in the occupational performance history scales (occupational identity, competence, and settings) between male-to-female transgender women and cisgender women and the relation of these scales to health and life satisfaction.

METHOD: Twenty-two transgender women and 22 matched cisgender women completed a demographic questionnaire and three reliable measures in this cross-sectional study. Data were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance and multiple linear regressions.

FINDINGS: The results indicate lower performance scores for the transgender women. In addition, occupational settings and group membership (transgender and cisgender groups) were found to be predictors of life satisfaction.

IMPLICATIONS: The present study supports the role of occupational therapy in promoting occupational identity and competence of transgender women and giving special attention to their social and physical environment.