Abstract
This article presents an Italian version of the Gender Identity Questionnaire for Children (GIQC) (Cohen-Kettenis et al., 2006; Johnson et al., 2004), a parent-report questionnaire covering a range of gender characteristics of children. We developed the GIQC-Italian version with the translation/back translation method and administered it, with a sociodemographic data sheet, to the parents of 1148 children aged 3–12 years (non-clinical sample). After obtaining descriptive data for each item, in line with Johnson et al. (2004), we examined dimensionality through exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Considering the results and that our sample was entirely non-clinical, we developed a new scoring procedure. The EFA on the new scores generated three scales: (1) a Female-Typical Behavior Scale, (2) a Male-Typical Behavior Scale, and (3) a Cross-Gender Scale. Additional EFA and confirmatory factor analyses (WLSMV estimator by using a 80/20 random-split-sample analytical approach) confirmed the three-factor solution as the best fitting dimensional structure for the revised GIQC. The Cronbach’s α of the scales showed a satisfactory internal consistency. The frequency distribution of the scales scores showed it is possible to find atypical gender behavior and preferences in non-clinical samples. Independent samples t test confirmed a significant difference between boys’ and girls’ scores. Older children reported scores indicating less gender non-conforming characteristics than younger, except for the Female-Typical Behavior Scale in the girls’ subsample. Results are discussed in the light of the existing literature about gender development. Our findings suggest that the GIQC-Italian version could be a useful tool for studying gender development in the Italian context.
Highlights
For both clinical and research purposes, standardized, quantitative parent-report measures assessing gender identification, preferences, and gender behavior in children are important (Cohen-Kettenis et al, 2006)
Given the increasing number of children who are clinically referred to gender identity teams in Italy (Massara, Antonelli, Mosconi, Santamaria, & Caldarera, 2014) and the customary research performed in conjunction with clinical work, there is a great need for such instruments in the Italian clinical context as well
exploratory factor analysis (EFA) analyses with the weighted least squares means and variance-adjusted (WLSMV) estimator and GEOMIN rotation showed the three-factor solution had good model fit (χ2[33] = 125.64, p < .01; Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = .99, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = .05 [90% CI .05–.06])
Summary
For both clinical and research purposes, standardized, quantitative parent-report measures assessing gender identification, preferences, and gender behavior in children are important (Cohen-Kettenis et al, 2006). Many researchers outline that the availability of tools suitable for the measurement of gender-related constructs is essential in order to carry out screenings on community samples of children. Given the increasing number of children who are clinically referred to gender identity teams in Italy (Massara, Antonelli, Mosconi, Santamaria, & Caldarera, 2014) and the customary research performed in conjunction with clinical work, there is a great need for such instruments in the Italian clinical context as well. Clinicians and researchers created a national Italian Network of Gender Clinics for Children and Adolescents, with the aim of developing a shared protocol of assessment and care, in line with international
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