Turkish validity and reliability of the Transgender Identity Survey in a population with gender dysphoria

The study was planned to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Transgender Identity Survey, which evaluates internalized transphobia among trans people. This was a methodological study to verify the linguistic equivalence of the scale through the translation/back-translation method. Content validity was ensured by presenting it to experts in the field of nursing. Together with the Transgender Identity Survey, a structured question form was applied to 260 transgender individuals who volunteered to participate in the study. Data were collected between 2020 and 2021. Internal consistency, factor analysis and test-retest reliability were used to determine consistency over time and intraclass correlations. The content validity index score was determined to be 0.852 (very good). As a result of factor analysis, the Transgender Identity Survey contained four factors, namely pride, transition, alienation and shame. The general internal consistency coefficient of the scale was found to be 0.862, with a good level of reliability. Intraclass correlation coefficients were higher than the generally accepted value for all items. The Turkish version of the Transgender Identity Survey is a valid and reliable instrument. The scales that enable the assessment of "internalized transphobia," which is defined as transgender's discomfort with their gender identity because they cannot meet the gender norms and expectations of the society, are extremely important. For this reason, this study will contribute to the improvement of the biophysiological and psychological health of individuals by guiding the planning of interventions to evaluate internalized transphobia in trans individuals and to reduce internalized transphobia.