Turkish Adaptation and Psychometric Evaluation of the of the Transgender Congruence Scale

This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and psychometrically evaluate a Turkish version of the The Transgender Congruence Scale (TCS) among transgender and gender-diverse adults in Türkiye. A cross-sectional online survey was completed by 111 participants aged 18–45 years (73% trans men, 9% trans women, 18% non-binary). Translation followed forward–back translation, expert review, and pilot testing. Construct validity was examined via EFA and CFA; reliability via Cronbach’s α, McDonald’s ω, and four-week test–retest. Criterion validity used correlations with the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS), Body Appreciation Scale (BAS), and Body Image Scale (BIS).
Research Hypotheses
H1: The Turkish version of the Transgender Congruence Scale (TCS) will demonstrate a two-factor structure consistent with the original scale, comprising Appearance Congruence and Gender Identity Congruence.
H2: There will be a significant positive correlation between total TCS scores and psychological well-being, as measured by the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS), supporting criterion-related validity.
H3: There will be a significant positive correlation between total TCS scores and body appreciation, as measured by the Body Appreciation Scale (BAS).
H4: There will be a significant positive correlation between total TCS scores and body image, as measured by the Body Image Scale (BIS).
H5: There will be significant differences between upper and lower 27% groups, with higher scores observed in the upper group.
H6: The Turkish version of the TCS will demonstrate high internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient equal to or greater than 0.70.
H7: There will be no statistically significant difference between TCS scores obtained at two time points, indicating temporal stability (test–retest reliability).
H8: The TCS items will exhibit acceptable item-total correlation coefficients, indicating satisfactory item discrimination.
H9: There will be a statistically significant difference in transgender congruence scores between binary
transgenders (trans men and trans women) and non-binary individuals.

In conclusion, the Turkish TCS demonstrated good overall reliability (α = .885) and a two-factor structure consistent with the original. While the AC subscale showed excellent internal consistency (α = .915), the GIA subscale exhibited limited reliability (α = .426; ω = .563), as expected for a two-item measure. Despite this, the total scale proved valid, reliable, and functionally robust in predicting well-being across groups. The Turkish TCS therefore represents a brief, efficient, and trans-affirmative measure of gender congruence, offering researchers and clinicians a valuable tool to assess gender identity processes and support equitable healthcare for gender-diverse populations.