Sexual Self-Concept and Sexual Identity Development in a Sample of Transmasculine Teens

This study examined the sexual selfhood of transmasculine adolescents by assessing sexual identity development and sexual self-concept as complementary components of a broader psychosexual construct. Using cross-sectional data from a convenience sample, descriptive analyses indicated moderate levels of sexual identity development and a generally positive, though nuanced, sexual self-concept. Correlational analyses supported the internal coherence of both constructs, and canonical correlation analyses revealed two significant functions linking sexual identity development and sexual self-concept, suggesting an integrated higher-order construct of sexual selfhood. Comparisons with emerging adult and adult samples revealed minimal developmental differences, and no meaningful differences emerged between binary and non-binary youth. Findings suggest that transmasculine adolescents demonstrate developmentally appropriate patterns of sexual selfhood that are largely comparable across age and gender subgroups. The results support conceptualizing sexual selfhood as an integrated, multidimensional construct and underscore the value of examining normative psychosexual processes in trans populations.