Anita Lauri Korajlija

Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index in a Sample of Croatian Adults.

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) refers to a person’s tendency to fear anxiety-related symptoms due to the belief that these symptoms may have harmful consequences. The most widely used operationalization of AS in adults is the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI). The factor structure, gender stability, and psychometric properties of the ASI in a sample of Croatian adults (N = 984) were evaluated. Results confirm the multidimensional and hierarchical structure of the ASI, which consisted of three lower-order factors (Physical Concerns, Psychological Concerns, and Social Concerns) and a single higher-order factor, AS. Furthermore, the achievement of normative scores for the ASI in a Croatian adult sample demonstrates the cross-national stability of the ASI. Reliability coefficients for the ASI, Physical Concerns, and Psychological Concerns are high and satisfactory in the total sample and for both genders. Overall, the results confirmed the cross-national stability, gender stability, reliability, and validity of the ASI in a sample of Croatian adults.

Psychosocial Adjustment to Sex Reassignment Surgery: A Qualitative Examination and Personal Experiences of Six Transsexual Persons in Croatia

In Croatia, transgender individuals face numerous social and medical obstacles throughout the process of transition. The aim of this study was to depict the factors contributing to the psychosocial adjustment of six transsexual individuals living in Croatia following sex reassignment surgery (SRS). A combination of quantitative and qualitative self-report methods was used. Due to the specificity of the sample, the data were collected online. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess mental health and quality of life alongside a series of open-ended questions divided into 4 themes: the decision-making process regarding SRS; social and medical support during the SRS process; experience of discrimination and stigmatizing behaviors; psychosocial adjustment after SRS. Despite the unfavorable circumstances in Croatian society, participants demonstrated stable mental, social, and professional functioning, as well as a relative resilience to minority stress. Results also reveal the role of pretransition factors such as high socioeconomic status, good premorbid functioning, and high motivation for SRS in successful psychosocial adjustment. During and after transition, participants reported experiencing good social support and satisfaction with the surgical treatment and outcomes. Any difficulties reported by participants are related to either sexual relationships or internalized transphobia. The results also demonstrate the potentially protective role that a lengthier process of transition plays in countries such as Croatia.

The effect of different ways of providing information about transsexualism on student attitudes

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to examine the effect of different ways of providing information about transsexualism on attitudes towards transgender persons. Three independent groups were informed about transsexualism in different ways (a formal definition of transsexualism, a vignette with a transgender person story and a YouTube video depicting a transition timeline). Participants who watched the video and those who read the vignette expressed a significant positive change in the affective component of their attitude towards transsexualism, while participants who read the definition demonstrated no change. Differences across groups in the cognitive and behavioural components of students’ attitudes were also confirmed. The results indicate that more personal and detailed methods of providing information about transgender persons could contribute to reducing social transnegativity.