male-2-female transsexual personality development: a seligman guide to an authentically flourishing...

Running head: MALE-TO-FEMALE TRANSSEXUAL PERSONALITY DEVELPMENT… 1

S o u t h e r n N e w H a m p s h i r e U n i v e r s i t y P S Y 5 6 0

2014

Male-2-Female

Transsexual Personality

Development A Seligman Guide to an Authentically Flourishing Well-being

Angela L Dykstra

MALE-TO-FEMALE TRANSSEXUAL PERSONALITY DEVELPMENT… 1

Male-to-Female Transsexual Personality Development:

A Seligman Guide to an Authentically Flourishing Well-being

Angela Dykstra

Southern New Hampshire University


Abstract

Gender is the primary influence on personality development. Most people are born with one of

two gender identity options: female or male. Gender Dysphoria is not to be confused with sexual

orientation. Being born female, identifying ones gender as female, and being sexually attracted to

women or a woman are neither exclusive or inclusive personality markers. The DSM-5 labels

Transgenderism a possible personality disorder. If a birth male identifies as female, how can

such personality uniqueness transcend self and public abuse, marginalization, bullying, shame,

discrimination, and a pervasive desire to commit suicide? How can a male-to-female transsexual

personality experience acceptance, love, and respect for authentic gender expression; the

hallmarks of Seligman's personality psychology of positivity through a flourishing authentic

well-being? This paper explores the history, evolution, and proposed applicability of Seligman’s

authentically flourishing well-being theory to male-to-female transsexual personality

development using hypnotic guided imagery as an adjunct happiness strategy.

Keywords: Seligman, gender, positive psychology, male-to-female transsexual authentic well-being, hypnotic guided imagery


Male-to-Female Transsexual Personality Development:

A Seligman Guide to an Authentically Flourishing Well-being

Gender is the primary influence on personality development worldwide (Cervone &

Pervin, 2014). Genders’ influence on personality, culture, and society-at-large is quite similar

around the globe (Costa Jr., Terracciano, & McCrae, 2001). While some in science argue that

“…gender is cultural and sex is biological…” (Costa, et al., p 322), others in science argue that

gender should match social expectation. Although homosexuality was extinguished from the

DSM in 1973 (Parry, 2013), Transsexualism falls under the Gender Dysphoria umbrella in the

DSM-5. To be assessed as gender dysphoric means only to “… describe a condition in which

someone is intensely uncomfortable with their biological gender and strongly identifies with,

and wants to be, the opposite gender.” (Parry, 2013, p 1). Riley and her colleagues Clemson,

Sitharthan, and Diamond (2013) report that no matter the DSM-5 disorder name, transgendered

who opt for Male-to-Female (M2F) Transsexual gender reassignment typically report frequent

and repeated exposure to PTSD-levels of trauma. How can such a traumatized (Chettiar, 2015;

Mason-Schrock, 1996) or trauma-free (DSM-5.org, 2013) new woman flourish in her

authenticity if her well-being is or becomes maladaptive (Cervone & Pervin, 2014; Seligman,

2011)?

One immediate, easy to test, and implement therapy is Hypnotic Guided Imagery. This

ancient healing art and science of personalized goal attainment via diminished attentional focus

on some aspects of her old personality so as to develop new positive self-thought processes

works quite quickly to affect attitudinal and effect behavioral adjustments (and visa-versa)

(Hartman, 2010). Hypnotic guided imagery finds significant commonality with any science that

claims happiness can be quantifiably and qualitatively measured in degrees of strength or

weakness as its opposite (Kappas, 1999; Seligman, 1990). Combine the Seligman output well-


being (Seligman, Steen, Park, & Peterson, 2005) with appropriately designed and delivered

imagery input suggestions, and the M2F Transsexual client may discover her female self-

authenticity can be reached quicker, more effectively, and safer while improving outcomes from

conventional psychoanalytic talking therapies, cognitive behavioral therapies, or Seligman

positive psychology therapies can accomplish alone or co-mixed and mingled (Hartman, 2010;

Kappas, 1999). Therefore, this paper explores the history, evolution, and proposed applicability

of Seligman’s Positive Psychology and Authentic Well-being Theory for M2F Transsexual client

personality development to achieve and maintain an authentically flourishing well-being by

choosing hypnotic guided imagery as her adjunct happiness strategy.

Positive Psychology and Seligman’s Theory of Authentic Well-being

Positive Psychology is 100% science and was founded by the prolific author, scientist,

former American Psychological Association (APA) President, some say grandstander, and

happiologist (Krueger, 2012), Dr. Martin E. P. Seligman. In a variety of Seligman texts,

Positive Psychology legend has it Dr. Seligman was looking for an alternative to Skinner’s

brand of Behaviorism that had identified the psychological components of lab animal learned

helplessness: “…contingency, cognition, and behavior,…” (Peterson, Maier, & Seligman,

1993). Positive Psychology is inclusive and definitely not a one-psychologist-opinion-show.

Instead, he and other positive psychologists collaborate across fields of inquiry to discover just

what/why/when/where/and how people can pursue happiness as a psychologically healthy and

scientifically measurable personality-state identified as authentic well-being (pursuit-of-

happiness.org, 2014).

A prolific writer, his output of regularly authored or partnered positive psychology

books and articles have been read and sited by many millions worldwide (Seligman, 2011). His

latest book, Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Wellbeing (2011),


redefines happiness as an ideal rather than a measurable and healthy state of human existence

while adding two additional components to achieve and maintain an authentic well-being

existence, which leaves at least one colleague perplexed (Krueger, 2012) and another taking to

his competing psychoanalytic stance (Rubin, 2012). Positive psychology scientifically studies

individual and community strengths and virtues that enable thriving (UOP, 2007). Such a

definition indicates that the origins of positive psychology can be traced back to Plato and as

recent as Maslow (Froh, 2004).

Positive Psychology is somewhat behavioral, existential, humanistic, and

phenomenological as well (Froh, 2004). Hypnotic guided imagery shares the same theoretical

constructs (Kappas, 1999). Seligman never claims to be a new thinker atop the positive

personality psychology umbrella. He only maintains that psychological science should also be

studying adaptive (rather than exclusively maladaptive) personalities to identify commonalities

among “…human excellence and optimal functioning.” (Froh, 2004, p. 20), that can then be

measured, analyzed, and evaluated so as to create new therapies alleviating depressive

emotional states by strengthening well-being; a Seligman interest since expanding on Skinner

animal and electric shock research (Peterson et al., 1993).

In Seligman’s APA Presidential address in 1998, Positive Psychology as a legitimate

branch of scientific inquiry was announced (Seligman, Linley, Stephen, & Ilona, 2003).

Seligman and other positive psychology practitioners and devotees believe that studying well-

being will lead to “…how, why, and under what conditions…” (Seligman, et al, 2005, p.410),

people’s character and emotions flourish in positivity, which requires analyzing human potential

as opposed to repairing or mitigating pathology (Krueger, 2012). Same also in hypnotic guided

imagery (Kappass, 1987). Detractors claim a flourishingly authentic well-being demands


experiencing unhappiness, conformity, and emotional trauma for what they are: human

existence (Rubin, 2012).

Seligman et al., (2005) readily admit his and other positive psychologist definition of

authenticity may only be a state of individual or collective perception. However, developments

in Positive Psychology report generous funders (Seligman, et al., 2005), especially the US

Military (Rubin, 2012). At least one dissenting psychotherapist, Dr. Jeffrey Rubin, points out in

his blog post that Seligman’s groundbreaking theories about electric-shock and an animal’s

learned helplessness against avoidance of repeated trauma were used to aid the Military in its

efforts to torture enemy captives during the George W. Bush presidency (2012). While it could

easily be argued that good science can be used for bad purposes, Rubin paints a compelling

timeline of events to support his line of inquiry (2012). Therefore, Seligman’s claims about the

effectiveness of positive psychology are continually challenged by some scholars.

History

Positive psychology, represents an umbrella term for studying traits, emotions, and those

institution-types that supplement individual and group pursuit of authentic happiness and well-

being (Seligman, 2011). In the perpetually evolving science of positive personality psychology,

Seligman (2011) further scientifically defines the exact positive strengths and virtues authentic

well-being demands (Seligman et al., 2005). While many voices in clinical psychology focus on

therapies, techniques, and interventions for the maladaptive personality, Seligman’s positive

psychology adjusts its lens of inquiry in the opposite end of the emotional spectrum; optimism

(Seligman, 2004). Optimism, and its quantitative and qualitative measurements “…lowers

vulnerability to depression…enhances productivity, physical health, and immune activity…” (p.

82) claims Seligman’s 2004 article exploring whether or not happiness can be taught to another

who is deficient in optimism.


Seligman (2004) is adamant that the majority of people look for ways in which to build

strengths that mitigate weakness to achieve three personality “desires” (p. 80) of a “Pleasant

Life, the Good Life, and the Meaningful Life” (p.80). Agreeing with critics, this researcher also

finds Seligman somewhat self-promoting in his publications yet view his ‘never satisfied’

approach in defining how to accurately and scientifically measure authentic human or animal

desires of happiness appropriate (Krueger, 2012; Rubin, 2012; Seligman, 2007). Nonetheless,

Seligman has managed to expand positive psychology in multiple directions in a short time to

address: coaching (Seligman, 2007), health (Seligman, 2008), and psychotherapy (Seligman,

Rashid, & Parks, 2006) in clinical, workplace, and military environments where the need-to-

achieve a flourishing well-being is paramount, such as the M2F Transsexual personality.

Positive Psychology, M2F Transsexual, & Hypnosis Research Methods

Positive Psychology Research Methods

Seligman himself and his et al. 2005 team argue that for a personality psychology to be

relevant in today’s technology-driven world, the science and findings should demand the theory

evolve over time post-statistical analysis of positive virtues and character strengths. In their

2005 Seligman et al. article on the flourishing progress of their domain, the authors analyze

several interventional therapy options that want to reside in the scientific annals as positive

psychology. For methods-analysis inclusion, the treatment must have been able to measure

three positive personality markers: positive emotions, engagement, and meaning and by 2011

when Flourish…was published two more: positive relationships and accomplishment (Krueger,

2012; Seligman, 2011; UOP, 2014).

In 2004, Seligman re-partnered with Dr. Chris Peterson to create the Character

Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification (CSV) as a positive companion to the

APA’s DSM. The CSV measures the degree to which a subject presents or has the capacity to


present positive personality traits (Seligman et al., 2005). To that end, the Seligman et al. (2005)

team measured the efficacy of “…questionnaires, surveys, interviews, and informant reports…

(p. 411), all of which claim critics are highly subjective and difficult to accurately assess as

happiness or well-being because such measurements are subjective personality states (Krueger,

2012; Rubin, 2012). That said, positive psychology research practice intentionally focuses on

authentic well-being from a personally biased perspective (Seligman, 2011). As such, positive

psychology relies almost entirely on surveys, interviews, and subject self-reporting to better

understand how, when, and why people benefit from therapies grounded in positivity so it is

largely qualitative in nature (Froh, 2004; Rubin, 2012; Seligman, et al., 2005).

M2F Transsexual Personality Research Methods

Like Seligman science, the measurement of M2F Transsexual client authentic well-

being usually relies on interviews, therapist and client observations, self-assessment, and self-

reflection (Chettiar, 2015; Mason-Schrock, 1996; Riley, et al., 2013; Willingham, 2010).

Hypnotic Guided Imagery Research Methods

Hypnotic guided imagery research runs the gamut from quantitative to qualitative and

focuses its attention on being both an intervention strategy for physical and emotional wellbeing

and a measureable variable (Hartman, 2010; Kappas, 1999). Strangely, hypnotic guided

imagery research is usually undertaken by a non-hypnosis professional and has been reported to

include: several researchers who took a weekend certification course, many primary researchers

manipulating and measuring the hypnotic variable; even graduate student researchers who

follow instructions from a manual developed in the 1950’s on how to hypnotize a study

participant can be found in the literature (Hartman, 2010). In short, hypnotic guided imagery

science is spotty, confusing, and most likely inaccurate in positive and negative reporting as to

how beneficial hypnosis can be in personality development because science currently does not


require a research hypnotist to be a qualified one (Hartman, 2010). Therefore, hypnotic guided

imagery, when administered by a highly trained professional, could become both a positive

variable and positive treatment option for the M2F Transsexual client and the next evolutionary

and thus logical step on Seligman’s positive psychology horizon.

Authentic Well-being Theoretical Evaluation

Agreed. Authenticity of well-being in the M2F Transsexual personality is difficult to

assess and measure accurately because both are subjective states of personal and social existence

and this population is highly marginalized already (Chettiar, 2015; Mason-Schrock, 1996; Riley

et al., 2013). Dr. Seligman makes no claims to the contrary (Seligman, 2011). However, his

authentic well-being theory pledges to measure individual self-efficacy in degrees of attainment,

which allows and encourages the M2F Transsexual client to find her own way to a self-

enlightened authenticity of newly and developing female well-being (UOP, 2014). To date, only

hypnotic guided imagery has been proven to harness individual perceptions for self-improvement

purposes at the subconscious level (Hartman, 2010). That said, authentic well-being theory

appears relevant, valid, and accurate in self-assessing (Seligman, et al., 2005) the M2F

Transsexual personality authentically as she reports herself to be (Chettiar, 2015; Mason-

Schrock, 1996; Riley et al., 2013).

As presented below in Table 1, Seligman et al. (2005) classified the science of positivity

into empirical validation for interventions based on human virtue and character strength. By

measuring the extent to which 30 well-being markers predict current-levels of personality

authenticity strength, benchmarking can be enabled for proper therapeutic intervention choices

for the M2F Transsexual client (Mason-Schrock, 1996; Riley et al., 2013). Hypnotic guided

imagery has also been reported in the literature and in this researcher private practice to

repeatedly conform to, support, and bolster in measurable ways Seligman’s virtues and strengths


individually, and in groups; including the workplace (Cukor, Spitalnick, Difede, Rizzo, &

Rothbaum, 2009; Hartman, 2010).

Table 1

Virtue & Strength Description

1) 1. WISDOM & KNOWLEDGE

2)

3) 1a. Creativity

4) 1b. Curiosity

5) 1c. Open-mindedness

6) 1d. Love of learning

7) 1e. Perspective

Cognitive strengths that entail the acquisition and use of knowledge

1a. Thinking of novel and productive ways to do things

1b. Taking an interest in all of ongoing experience

1c. Thinking things through and examining them from all sides

1d. Mastering new skills, topics, and bodies of knowledge

1e. Being able to provide wise counsel to others

2. COURAGE

2a. Authenticity

2b. Bravery

2c. Persistence

2d. Zest

Emotional strengths that involve the exercise of will to accomplish goals in the

face of opposition, external or internal

2a. Speaking the truth and presenting oneself in a genuine way

2b. Not shrinking from threat, challenge, challenge, difficulty, or pain

2c. Finishing what ones starts

2d. Approaching life with excitement and energy

3. HUMANITY

3a. Kindness

3b. Love

3c. Social intelligence

Interpersonal strengths that involve “tending and befriending” others

3a. Doing favors and good deeds for others

3b. Valuing close relations with others

3c. Being aware of the motives and feelings of self and others

4. JUSTICE

4a. Fairness

4b. Leadership

4c. Teamwork

Civic strengths that underlie healthy community life

4a. Treating all people the same according to notions of fairness and justice

4b. Organizing group activities and seeing that they happen

4c. Working well as member of a group or team

5. TEMPERANCE

5a. Forgiveness

5b. Modesty

5c. Prudence

5d. Self-regulation

Strengths that protect against excess

5a. Forgiving those who have done wrong

5b. Letting one’s accomplishments speak for themselves

5c. Being careful about one’s choices; NOT saying or doing things that might be

later regretted

5d. Regulating what one feels and does

6. TRANSCENDENCE

6a. Appreciation for beauty & excellence

6b. Gratitude

6c. Hope

6d. Humor

6e. Religiousness

Strengths that forge connections to the larger universe and provide meaning

6a. Noticing & appreciating beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in all

domains of life

6b. Being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen

6c. Expecting the best and working to achieve it

6d. Liking to laugh and tease; bringing smiles to other people

6e. Having coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of life

(Seligman et al., 2005, p. 412)

How well does Seligman’s explain M2F Transsexual personality behavior? While

Seligman’s authentic happiness and well-being theories may only offer descriptive rather than


prescriptive solutions to reduce emotionally suffered behaviors via a sometimes drastic

improvement in personal and society well-being (UOP, 2007), others steadfastly maintain their

disagreement with the very notion of authentic happiness or well-being (Krueger, 2012; Rubin,

2012). To this particular point, hypnotic guided imagery could put into action both descriptive

and prescriptive measurable solutions designed specifically for achieving individual or group

authentic well-being in the M2F Transsexual client; a feat that would aid in converting or

perhaps silencing at least three Seligman critics (Froh, 2004; Krueger, 2012; Rubin, 2012).

How well does the Seligman theory of authentic well-being make testable M2F

Transsexual client personality predictions? Absent a hypnotic imagery intervention strategy, then

one could easily argue authentic measurable well-being might be elusive as this client

demographic has often been repeatedly ostracized by self, family, others, and society (Chettiar,

2015; Mason-Schrock, 1996; riley, et al., 2013). However, with the inclusion of adjunct hypnotic

guided imagery as a manipulative treatment variable, the M2F Transsexual client could ease and

perhaps extinguish emotional burdens heaped upon her during both their male and female

personality development in the past, present, and imagined future (Cukor et al., 2009; Hartman,

2010; Kappas, 1987; Kappas, 2009). Consequently, these same sources conclude reasonable

predictions can be made and measured about this unique population and its authenticity issues by

the inclusion of hypnotic guided imagery.

How well are M2F Transsexual client personality predictions supported by research?

Although research on this target population is growing, and the DSM-5 has altered its description

of this personality disorder, the fact remains these women are a marginalized and in many ways a

disenfranchised group for study and treatment (Chettiar, 2015; Mason-Schrock, 1996; Riley et

al., 2012; Willingham, 2010). Hampering research is the fact that many M2F Transsexuals feel

like such oddballs, they fear exploitation as study participants (Chettiar, 2015; Mason-Schrock,


1996; Riley et al., 2012; Willingham, 2010). Moreover, the DSM-5 claims some transgendered

people are quite content to be a woman trapped inside a man’s body (DSM-5.org, 2013); an idea

that would seem to many with this very real issue, absurd (Chettiar, 2015; Mason-Schrock, 1996;

Riley et al., 2012; Willingham, 2010). Nonetheless, Seligman’s findings plus those of hypnotic

guided imagery confirm that if somebody wants to change their quota of authentic happiness and

well-being, they most likely can (Kappas, 2009; Naparstek, 1994; Seligman et al, 2005).

What M2F Transsexual research evidence does not support authentic well-being theory?

The APA in its description of Transgenderism concludes that children and adults with this

condition are treated and assessed differently. In contrast, the words and phrases used by this

client to describe her feelings, fears, self-awareness, perceived institution clinical and medical

weaknesses, and society misunderstanding and intolerance indicate suggested APA guidelines on

this issue remain troublesome (Riley, et al., 2013). At least four narrative studies on

Transgendered experiences and this researcher private hypnotic guided imagery client records

confirm that a M2F Transsexual client needs all the same opportunities (or more) to develop

virtuous strengths impacting attaining authentic well-being and personality development as in a

non-transsexual population (Chettiar, 2015; Costa, et al., 2001; Hartman, 2010; Mason-Schrock,

1996; Naparstek, 1994; Riley et al., 2012; Willingham, 2010). However, several personality

wellness professionals argue Seligman and his theories are simplistic to the point of being

immeasurable by existing and preferred scientific standards (Froh, 2004; Krueger, 2012; Rubin,

2012).

How does authentic well-being theory explain M2F Transsexual personality

development? Seligman’s theory does not explain so much as it provides a roadmap to

developing a flourishing authentic well-being (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000; Seligman et

al., 2006; Seligman, 1990; Seligman, 2011). Somewhat like a 12-Step behavioral intervention,


Seligman positive psychology anticipates a client will have to want to be happier to engage in

cognitive strategies that measurably improve and then sustain authentic well-being for a lifetime

(Seligman, 1990; Seligman 2004). Analyzing M2F Transsexual client personal narratives,

negative life experiences, and common dreadfully-low self-esteem indicate this client base and

the public desperately need access to therapies, social support, and accurate information that

provide hope, truth, and authentic female capacity building designed to alleviate psychic

suffering (Chettiar, 2015; Mason-Schrock, 1996; Riley et al., 2012; Willingham, 2010); all of

which Seligman theories provide (pursuit-of-happiness.org, 2014; Seligman, 2011) and hypnotic

guided imagery science says is possible (Cukor et al., 2009; Hartman, 2010; HMI, 2014; Kappas,

2009; Naparstek, 1994).

What is the current thinking in M2F Transsexual personality psychology from the past

five years? True. The APA and its DSM-5 have changed Gender Identity Disorder to Gender

Dysphoria. A significant shift away from classifying all transgendered personalities the same no

matter the age of the client has also occurred (DSM-5.org, 2013). Heralding this change as

significant as removing Homosexuality as a disordered personality by some (Parry, 2013), the

new DSM-5 still falls very short in its description of this exceedingly unique gender issue claim

those who work with these clients on a regular basis whether reviewing Mason-Schrock (1998),

Riley et al. (2013), Chettiar, 2015, Willingham, 2010, or this researcher private client files.

Therefore, discussion of Seligman’s authentic well-being theory as an achievable and measurable

possibility for positive personality improvement in the M2F Transgendered client must also

include using hypnotic guided imagery therapy so as to put into actual clinical practice his

flourishing suggestions.


Discussion

Most people are born with one of two gender identity options: female or male. Gender

Dysphoria is not to be confused with sexual orientation. Being born female, identifying ones

gender as female, and being sexually attracted to women or a woman are neither exclusive or

inclusive gender identity markers (Riley, 2013). The DSM-5 labels Transgenderism a possible

personality disorder. If a birth male identifies as female, how can such personality uniqueness

transcend self and public abuse, marginalization, bullying, shame, discrimination, and a

pervasive desire to commit suicide (Chettiar, 2015; Mason-Schrock, 1996; Riley et al., 2012;

Willingham, 2010)? How can a male-to-female transsexual personality experience acceptance,

love, and respect for authentic gender expression, which are the hallmarks of Seligman's

personality psychology of positivity through a flourishing authentic well-being?

One problem in achieving and maintaining a flourishing and authentic well-being in the

M2F Transsexual client is locating knowledgeable aid (Chettiar, 2015; Mason-Schrock, 1996;

Riley et al., 2012; Willingham, 2010). Next on the desired M2F Transsexual client therapies

listing as gleaned from the mouths of the Transgendered are interventions that reduce anxiety by

increasing participant well-being (Chettiar, 2015; Mason-Schrock, 1996; Riley et al., 2012;

Willingham, 2010). Thirdly, the M2F Transsexual client has unique psycho-social and

exceedingly complicated relationship issues; especially when classifying a ‘relationship’ as

work, personal, family, spiritual, cultural, or health-related as these personality issues (some

argue) can only be addressed by another M2F Transsexual in the know (Chettiar, 2015; Mason-

Schrock, 1996; Riley et al., 2012; Willingham, 2010). How does Seligman’s authentic well-

being theory explain psychological barriers for M2F Transsexuals and how to overcome them?

While Seligman makes no gender, personality, or cultural restrictions or limitations in Positive

Psychology and its “…meetings, centers, courses, interventions…” (Seligman, et al, 2005. p


413), following his logic that for every maladaptive behavior there is an opposite authentic

behavior seems correct (Cervone & Pervin, 2014). Expanding further on Seligman’s concept of

positive opposites (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000), Kappassian (1999) hypnotic guided

imagery theory is in agreement about the importance of therapies that focus solely on the power

of positive suggestion and positive cognitive exercises that can alleviate and in some clients

extinguish psychological and physical human suffering (Hartman, 2010; Naparstek, 1994;

Researcher client files).

How do authentic well-being psychological practices differ in appropriateness for diverse

populations and application of practices? As Seligman often points out, positive psychology is

grounded in science, not pseudoscience (Seligman, 1990). That said, many pop-cultural happiness

how-to’s lack credibility if measured against the empirical validation yardstick. Hypnotic guided

imagery is a scientific well-being tool now trending in research and some clinical practices.

However, its use in a psychoanalytic or cognitive PhD practice is often limited, or only as a tool

among many to aid the distressed psyche (Kappas, 1999). Exactly like positive psychology

wannabes, many hypnotherapists lack in-depth personality knowledge as the field itself is

unregulated. Lack of certification aside, Dr. Kappas’s Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI) was the

first accredited Vocational Hypnosis College by the US Department of Education and the AFLCIO

(HMI.com, 2014). Thus, Kappassian hypnotic guided imagery is akin to Seligman’s positive

psychology because it also teaches how to help clients develop a flourishingly authentic well-being

using only client-developed-therapist-delivered positive suggestion (HMI, 2014).

If each measurable Seligman-Hypnotic Guided Imagery intervention yields effective and

affecting results, and is provided by trained scientific personality psychologists, then when

combined, successes in alleviating mental suffering by strengthening and further developing an

authentic well-being should be close to guaranteed (Kappas, 2009; Seligman, 2011). Hypnosis is a


natural state of heightened consciousness perfect for working out and altering subconscious barriers

to achieving an authentically M2F Transsexual Seligman-measurable state of well-being (Kappas,

1999; Seligman, 2011). Perhaps the broadness of scope in Seligman theories and Kappassian

hypnotic intervention strategies is why implementing solutions in practice would differ only in

context suggestion, hypnotic depth, and perhaps literal language rather than its application in general

on different target populations (Kappas, 1999). Therefore, seeking new interventions strategies that

aim to diminish (hopefully permanently) the effects of depression, anxiety, blame, shame, anger,

guilt, and pain on the human personality should not be reserved for only the M2F Transsexual client

(Cervone & Pervin, 2014).

Proposed Solution

Authentic well-being therapies using hypnotic guided imagery theory and practice mirror

Seligman’s positive psychology suggestions so that optimism, encouragement, and measurable

positivity will affect well-being buoyancy and can actually negate in most clients emotional

feelings that hamper the achievement of living a life full of authentic happiness (Kappas, 1999;

Seligman, 1990; Seligman, 2011). Add into the intervention other cognitive personality change

strategies supported by Seligman and hypnotic guided imagery and affecting authenticity can

take root and bloom in any personality-type. Treatments that include hypnotic guided imagery

can be specifically designed and delivered to aid a M2F Transsexual new woman personality in

flourishing because her authenticity as a human being is just that; authentic to her new self-

schema (Hartman, 2010; Kappas, 1999; Naparstek, 1994). Consequently, societal influences on

the M2F Transsexual clients’ authentic well-being development may be more easily altered with

this proposed combined therapy (Hartman, 2010; Kappas, 1999; Naparstek, 1994; Cukor et al.,

2009). Kappassian (1999) hypnotic guided imagery can quickly reconfigure in positive ways at

the subconscious level the unique constraints and conflicts faced by a man who would rather be a


surgically and hormone altered woman because changing ones gender to suit self ultimately

creates uproar across some if not all of her previously experienced societal and life norms.

Practically identical to Seligman’s thinking that psychological wellness interventions and

therapies claiming to support authentic well-being must focus attention (literally and

figuratively) on positivity, so too does Kappassian hypnotic guided imagery (1999). Like

Seligman and his theories, Dr. Kappas found mainstream personality psychology steeped in

negativity and maladaptiveness. Close to the same age, it appears in biographical snippets both

men took up the challenge of studying psychology positivity therapies in two distinctly different

ways. Seligman chose the scientific route to validation. Dr. Kappas chose academics, non-

legislation, and clinical practice head counts (HMI, 2014). Both have authored books on

achievement and well-being, but Kappas intentionally never sought publication in journals.

Instead, Dr. Kappas chose to stand on his 30,000+ client issue-and-outcome database

(HMI, 2014), an archive open to every HMI graduate and student for independent study for a fee.

Sadly, Dr. Kappas met an untimely death in 2002 just as technology was validating his claims

about achieving positive behavioral wellness applying positive hypnotic suggestion theory

(Kappas, 1999). Today, Kappassian Psychoanalytic-Cognitive-Social-Achievement-Learning

theories, philosophies, and treatment protocols are taught at the Vocational College he founded

more than 48 years ago. (HMI, 2014). It was Dr. Kappas who pushed the Bureau of Labor to add

Hypnotherapist as an occupational title years before they were combined under the single

heading of 29-1199 – Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners that now also includes

Acupuncturists and Naturopaths (BLS, 2010).

Currently, the literature does not contain articles about M2F Transsexualism + Seligman

+ hypnotic guided imagery. Consequently, the addition of Kappassian hypnotic guided imagery

theory and practice adds validity to this discussion because affecting and effective hypnosis


findings currently litter the scientific record. However, while hypnotic interventions show a

consistent ability to create personality change, only a scant few articles assess and measure

hypnotic guided imagery after employing a qualified hypnotic professional before, during, or

after treatment (Hartman, 2010). Even less available are uniquely authentic voices from the

potential M2F Transsexual client. Instead, narratives analyzed for this paper had the M2F client

comingled with all gender dysphoric people (Chettiar, 2015; Mason-Schrock, 1996; Riley et al.,

2012; Willingham, 2010). Therefore, similarity between Transgendered narratives spaced years

apart by Mason-Schrock (1996), Willingham (2010), Riley et al. (2013), and Chettiar (2015)

indicates the addition of hypnotic guided imagery as a Seligman-based positive psychology

treatment option could advance three scientific inquiries simultaneously while perhaps exceeding

study expectations and would indeed inform society and science about this issue and a proposed

scientific solution.

Authentic Well-Being Applicability to M2F Transsexualism Across Cultures

In India, M2F Transsexuals are termed Hijras (Chettiar, 2015). Katoi in Thailand (Evans,

1997). The Hijras of India are supposed to be revered as divine yet they fall victim to persecution

for being different too (Chettiar, 2015). Considering most cultures will never elevate M2F

Transsexuals to her holiness and still India society transgresses, the need for positive and

authentic well-being treatment strategies for all gender dysphoric persons is probably global

(Chettiar, 2015; Mason-Schrock, 1996; Riley et al., 2012; Willingham, 2010). Dahlsgaard,

Peterson, & Seligman published in 2005 that common virtues and valued human strengths were

measurable across cultures and history. That said, absent hypnotic guided imagery collaboration,

achieving Seligman’s authentic well-being would be difficult to implement among different

cultures that do not prize individual identity over those of society and especially those that

diminish the female role and define its acceptable behaviors (Costa et al., 2001).


Examples of M2F Transsexual client difficult-to-achieve Seligman-style authenticity

building blocks among different cultures could include: positive effect, engagement with

tractable tasks, giving spiritual meaning to the connectedness of all life forms, social

relationships, and accomplishments (pursuit-of-happiness.org, 2014; Seligman, 2011; UOP,

2014), which is the crux of his flourishing authentic well-being theory. Specifically because

hypnotic guided imagery targets the subconscious using client-specific positive suggestions, it is

the perfect adjunct therapy tool for achieving measurable M2F Transsexual client authentic well-

being based on Seligman guidelines (Hartman, 2010; Kappas, 1999; Naparstek, 1994).

Therefore, the inclusion of hypnotic guided imagery as the bridge-therapy uniting all cultures on

achieving authentic well-being seems mandatory to this biased and pro-hypnotic guided imagery

researcher and practitioner.

Further Consideration

In closing, current findings from non-M2F Transsexual personality clients, Seligman, and

hypnotic guided imagery research must be scaffold together to make the claims promoted in this

paper. As both a personality art and science, hypnotic guided imagery can on its own or in

tandem with other personality change strategies, show the M2F Transsexual client the literal and

metaphorical way to discover her brand of authentic well-being (Hartman, 2010; Kappas, 1999;

Naparstek, 1994). Properly administered, adjunct hypnotic guided imagery therapies can teach

the M2F Transsexual client how to find, develop, and maintain her own unique Nirvana of

flourishing authentic well-being where her life, liberty, and the pursuit of her authentic happiness

are paramount considerations that also happen to result in measurable Seligman science fact

(Hartman, 2010; Kappas, 1999; Naparstek, 1994).

Hypnotic guided imagery science and practice marry themselves exceptionally well with

Seligman science as well as the common and uncommon issues facing the M2F Transsexual


client intent on achieving her own authentic well-being. Additionally, few, if any, psychological

wellness tools are adaptable to any human personality theory without minimizing its effective or

affecting power like hypnotic guided imagery does (Hartman, 2010; Kappas. 2009; Naparstek,

1994). The inclusion of hypnotic guided imagery as a new type of evidence-based intervention

for the M2F Transsexual personality that is easy to classify, measure, and repeat and is also

based on developing session strategies gleaned from client vocabulary, client interviews, client

self-assessment, client reflection, and clinician observation seems like a research proposal whose

time has come (Kappas, 1999). Hypnotic guided imagery as an adjunct positive psychology tool

is anticipated to aid in swifter development of a Seligman authentic well-being in both

quantifiable and qualifiable ways (Hartman, 2010; Kappas, 1999; Naparstek, 1994). When time

is of the essence and radical long-lasting personality change is the goal, no other intervention

works faster to relieve anxiety, pain, shame, anger, blame, and guilt than hypnotic guided

imagery (Hartman, 2010; Kappas, 1999; Naparstek, 1994).

Until this investigation, the three variables (Authentic Well-being, M2F Transsexuals,

and Hypnotic Guided Imagery) had never been combined in print and thus have been only partly

tested in clinical practice on the M2F Transsexual client. Such a unique experiment should prove

fruitful and repeatable across any human population desirous of living an authentically happy life

by measurable well-being objectives; silencing a frequent criticism often voiced against

Seligman’s theories of positivity. Therefore, the applicability of Seligman’s authentically

flourishing well-being theory to M2F Transsexual client personality development using hypnotic

guided imagery as an adjunct happiness strategy is suggested.


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