Applied Psychology

Applied Psychology

The Relationship Between Social Support and Body Image with Psychological Well-Being in Transgender Individuals: The Mediating Role of Coping Strategies

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Narges Khoshnazar 1
Seyed Mohammad Hossein Mousavi Nasab 2
Anahita Tashk 3
1 Master Degree of Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Literature and Humanities Faculty, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
2 Associate Professor of Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, Literature and Humanities Faculty, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
3 Assistant Professor of Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, Literature and Humanities Faculty, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
10.48308/apsy.2026.241115.1884
Abstract
Aim: This study examined the relationships among social support, body image, psychological well-being, and life satisfaction in transgender individuals, with coping strategies as mediating variables.

Method: This descriptive-correlational study used structural equation modeling. Participants included 301 transgender individuals who had undergone gender reassignment and were selected through purposive sampling. Measures included Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Questionnaire, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Coping Strategies Questionnaire, the Body Image Questionnaire, and the Social Support Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Mplus software.

Results: Social support had significant positive effects on psychological well-being (p < 0.001) and life satisfaction (p < 0.001). Problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies significantly mediated the relationship between social support and psychological well-being. Body image dissatisfaction had significant negative effects on psychological well-being and life satisfaction (p < 0.001). Emotion-focused coping strategies also mediated the relationship between body image concerns and psychological well-being (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Social support and body image are important determinants of psychological well-being and life satisfaction among transgender individuals. Coping strategies play a significant mediating role in these relationships. Interventions aimed at improving social support, adaptive coping, and body image may enhance psychological adjustment in this population.
Keywords
Body Image
Coping Strategies
Psychological Well-being
Subjects
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