Gender Identity Development Research Articles

Key aspects in the development of gender identity and sexual orientation according to trans and gender diverse people: a qualitative approach.

For decades, the sexuality of trans and gender diverse people has been researched from a pathologising and medical perspective. This approach makes assumptions about the experiences of trans people, limiting concern for unique and individual experiences, especially for those with non-binary or gender diverse identities. A growing number of articles however are beginning to take the viewpoints of trans people seriously, taking into consideration their unique experiences and insights within the context of sexual and romantic relationships. This study examines the development of gender identity and sexual orientation of a group of trans individuals in Spain. Thirteen self-identified trans participants were interviewed about their sexual orientation, gender identity and the interplay between both those aspects. A constructivist grounded theory methodology was employed to analyse the data. Five major categories were identified: reinterpreting experiences through identification with gender identity and sexual orientation; questioning gender identity and sexual orientation norms; understanding the interplay between gender identity and sexual orientation; developing as a couple; and building a community. Findings highlight the dynamic and relational nature of gender identity and sexual orientation and provide further insight into the interaction of these aspects in the development of trans and gender diverse identities.

The Neo-Social Development of Gender Identity: A Social Contagion

In recent years, gender identity has become a topic of intense public debate. Two main perspectives have emerged. One perspective suggests that gender identity is an issue of not aligning with the assigned gender at birth, and the other, a psychological phenomenon that is influenced by societal trends, otherwise known as a social contagion. Social contagion holds that factors such as peer influence, media representation, and evolving societal norms significantly shape one's understanding of gender identity. Gender-affirming care and support are recommended solutions to alleviate gender dysphoria resulting from this phenomenon. However, a counter perspective, grounded in biological and Biblical truths, emphasizes that gender identity is an intrinsic part of a divine purpose and reflects God's creation. The complexity of self-discovery, societal influences, and religious beliefs has led to contentious debates on the nature of gender identity. The range of perspectives stresses the need for respectful and empathetic conversations encompassing diverse viewpoints while promoting a more comprehensive and purposeful society rooted in truth. Ultimately, the discourse on gender identity must merge into one objective—stabilizing and perpetuating society.

After the Cass Report; does British clinical psychology need an ethical re-boot?

This paper challenges the BPS to realign its position on transgender presentations in the light of the Cass Review. The latter highlighted the failure of a narrow ethics of recognition approach at the Gender Identity Development Service at the Tavistock Clinic, which had created an iatrogenic scandal, with clinical psychologists at its centre.

A qualitative exploration of experiences of gender identity and gender questioning among adults with Klinefelter syndrome/XXY.

People with Klinefelter syndrome (KS/XXY) may be at higher risk of gender dysphoria than the general population and gender diversity needs greater recognition and consideration in services for people affected. This study aimed to give systematic insights into experiences of gender diversity among people with KS/XXY, which could inform more person-centered care for people with KS/XXY and contribute to practical guidance for healthcare professionals. We conducted individual, semi-structured interviews with 11 adults with diagnosed KS/XXY. The verbatim interview transcripts were analyzed using experiential reflexive thematic analysis, which identified four themes: (1) Experience of gender, which described participants' experiences of exploring and negotiating their gender identity; (2) Navigating expectations, which described how participants' gender uncertainty was associated with confusion, isolation, and shame, and how fears about other people's reactions caused participants to keep their gender identity secret; (3) Testosterone assumptions, which described how participants needed more discussion and counseling before testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and how some benefited from treatment with alternative hormones to testosterone; and (4) A different approach, which described participants' experiences of care at gender identity clinics. The findings give new insights into the gender identity journeys of people with KS/XXY, from early attempts to understand and make sense of gender, through dealing with social pressures, the development of gender identities more congruent with feelings, and experiences with hormone replacement therapy. The practice implications include that there should be improved consideration of gender identity in care for KS/XXY, better psychological support for those affected by gender diversity, and more consideration given to alternatives to testosterone-based therapies. Future research could explore the experiences of gender identity among different groups of people with KS/XXY, the development of gender identity over time, the effects of TRT on gender identity, and healthcare providers' knowledge and attitudes about gender identity and KS/XXY.

Preliminary development of a brief parent-report gender identity alignment/distress screener for children.

This research develops a brief, and preliminary, parent-report screener to assess gender identity alignment/distress in children. The increasing prevalence of children not identifying with their sex at birth, the length and outdated language of existing gender identity measures, and the need to assess gender identity among children (as opposed to adolescent/adult measures) motivate a screener. A survey containing 14 items from existing instruments was administered to a diverse set of 1110 parents of children ages 3-12. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, followed by multiple indicators and multiple causes (MIMIC) modelling, were used to develop a 5-item, unidimensional screener that may assess gender identity alignment/distress. The screener may be suitable to identify children who experience misalignment between their gender and sex assigned at birth and parents or children for whom this misalignment causes distress. These families may benefit from additional resources and conversations between paediatric staff and children about their gender identity, including education for parents, and/or referrals for specialty care. Future research should further streamline and validate this preliminary screener, examine its convergence with gender identity and distress measures and explore including children's perspectives.

Mental Health of Transgender Youth Following Gender Identity Milestones by Level of Family Support

Transgender youth are at an elevated risk for adverse mental health outcomes compared with their cisgender peers. Identifying opportunities for intervention is a priority. To estimate differences in the association between gender identity milestones and mental health outcomes among transgender youth, stratified by level of family support. This retrospective cohort study compares changes in mental health outcomes among transgender youth who initiate gender identity milestones compared with those who initiate the same milestones 1 year later, stratified by level of family support, using the 2015 US Transgender Survey. The analytic samples included 18 303 transgender adults aged 18 and older who had initiated at least 1 gender identity milestone between ages 4 and 18 years. Four gender identity milestones: feeling one's gender was different, thinking of oneself as transgender, telling another that one is transgender, and living full-time in one's gender identity, stratified by 3 levels of family support: supportive, neutral, and adverse. Age at first suicide attempt and at running away. Study participants included 18 303 transgender adults (10 288 [56.2%] assigned female at birth; 14 777 [80.7%] White). Initiating a gender identity milestone was associated with a higher risk of suicide attempt and running away from home among transgender youth. This finding was driven by children who live in unsupportive families. For example, thinking of oneself as transgender was associated with a meaningful increase in the overall probability of attempting suicide among those in either adverse families (estimate = 1.75 percentage points; 95% CI, 0.47-3.03) or neutral families (estimate = 1.39 percentage points; 95% CI, 0.72-2.05). Among youth living with supportive families, there were no statistically significant associations between gender identity milestones and adverse mental health outcomes and 95% CIs generally ruled out any meaningful associations. These results demonstrate that without a supportive family environment, gender identity development increases the risk of transgender youth attempting suicide or running away from home. Social services and community resources to establish supportive relationships between transgender children and their parents are essential.

Navigating gender identity development: composite narratives of Chinese women international students studying in the U.S.

Navigating gender identity development: composite narratives of Chinese women international students studying in the U.S.

Are Differences Evident in the Ways Boys and Girls Appraise and Interpret Their Traumatic Experiences? A Qualitative Analysis of Youth Trauma Narratives.

The purpose of this study was to explore potential similarities and differences in the ways boys and girls appraise and interpret their traumatic experiences, and better understand how gender roles, performance, and socialization processes may impact trauma experiences, appraisals, and narratives within the context of trauma-focused treatment. We used thematic analysis to analyze the trauma narratives of youth (N = 16) ages 8-16 who had experienced multiple types (M = 5.38) of child maltreatment and who were receiving Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address clinically elevated posttraumatic stress symptoms. Four themes emerged: variations in the content of negative cognitions, differences in relational emotion, adoption of socially prescribed gender roles, and symptom differences. Although many similarities existed in youth's trauma narratives, differences emerged that point to the importance of social context and the ways gender role expectations and socialization processes influence youth's appraisal of and responses to traumatic events. Findings indicate the importance of considering distress tolerance, relational emotion, gender identity development, and role socialization within the treatment milieu.

“You Can Be Whatever You Want to Be” Except for on Shabbat: Challenging the Traditional Shabbat Party

ABSTRACT Within Orthodox Jewish early childhood programs, gender roles of the Shabbat Party promote heteronormative gender expectations that contend with values about children, teaching, and Judaism. Interviews with 15 educators suggested tensions between gender flexible attitudes and beliefs that gender unfolds naturally. Pretend play was considered a safe space for challenging gender, regulated by perceived sociocultural and religious boundaries. Conversely, the Shabbat Party roles were rigidly instituted without much examination of their implications for gender and Jewish identity development. While a few dissenting voices revealed an emerging gender consciousness, the ongoing need for dialogue, reflection, and gender flexible practices are recommended.

What do measures of gender identity tell us about gender identity over time?

Gender identity is a multifaceted concept and is represented by a wide range of measures and constructs including both self-report and researcher observations of preferences and behaviours. However, despite their similar theoretical underpinning, gender identity measures are rarely found to correlate with one another, and contrasting patterns and trajectories are often found for each construct (Egan & Perry, Developmental Psychology, 37, 2001, 451). Therefore, this systematic review aimed to present a review of the longitudinal research evidence surrounding gender identity development in the absence of formal intervention. Using a systematic search strategy, 21 studies were identified. Narrative synthesis was used to synthesize the data collected in these studies and trajectories were explored for (1) self-identification measures of gender identity, (2) clothing preferences, (3) peer preferences, and (4) object/activity preferences. Overall, the results of this systematic review are consistent with wider research suggesting that distinct developmental patterns can be observed when using different constructs and measures of gender identity.

Let Our Stories Be Told: Conducting Narrative Inquiry with Trans Youth

ABSTRACT Today’s trans youth are being spoken at and/or for, while adults and legislators are debating and deciding how they must live their day-to-day existence. However, to best understand today’s trans youth, counselor scholars and practitioners need to hear directly from trans youth. This article provides a foundational understanding of why conducting narrative inquiry with trans youth is ethical, affirming, and a best practice. Additionally, it provides a base of understanding of what narrative inquiry’s purpose and intention is, as well as considerations for creating a rigorous, trustworthy, and credible narrative inquiry. Finally, the author addresses research biases that may exist within the process of narrative inquiry that are necessary to evaluate. Additionally, there is an increased risk to safety with minor participants who identify as transgender. There are biases within research regarding gender identity development; therefore, using a case example, the author attempts to address these concerns as elements to address throughout the entire research cycle, specifically with narrative inquiry with trans children and adolescents.

Letter to the editor: Gender Identity Development Service

Letter to the editor: Gender Identity Development Service

"She's so pretty": The development of valuing personal attractiveness among young children.

The current study sought to understand gender differences in how much children value personal attractiveness, whether age is associated with valuing personal attractiveness, and the role of gender identity development. Three- to five-year-olds (N = 170; 89 girls, 81 boys, 0 other genders; primarily Latiné, multiethnic, and non-Hispanic White American) were recruited from child centers across the Los Angeles and Orange County metropolitan areas. Across several indicators (e.g., self-report, preference for appearance-related female-typed occupations and fancy gender-typed outfits, memory for fancy gender-typed clothing, and spontaneous reasons for liking a media character), girls highly valued personal attractiveness. Girls also valued personal attractiveness and tied their gender to personal attractiveness to a greater extent than boys. We discuss implications for later well-being and health.

A thematic analysis of the experiences of prepubertal transgender and gender-diverse children in Sweden

Knowledge of prepubertal transgender and gender diverse (TGD) children is limited. This study fills a gap in the research literature by exploring the lived experiences of prepubertal TGD children related to gender identity, centering their voices. Interviews with 10 TGD Swedish children 4–12 years old were analyzed through Thematic Analysis. The analysis resulted in two main themes: (1) “The journey of gender exploration,” with subthemes Discovering me and The joys, and challenges of being me; (2) “Meeting the outside world,” with subthemes Can I belong? and Staying me: my tips, tricks and help from others. The children’s evolving gender identity was traced, emphasizing emotional aspects and pivotal milestones like affirmed names. Even though the children had supportive environments, challenges of misgendering and the need for continual self-assertion were exposed. Despite struggles for recognition, the study highlights TGD children’s resilient coping and well-being. Still, cisgender norms were observed to challenge their prevalent pride and positive self-images, emphasizing the need for enhanced knowledge of gender diversity for a broader societal change. This study expands the literature on TGD children’s gender identity development, informs professionals and a broad audience and provides an enhanced understanding of TGD prepubertal children through their own words.

Exploring gender diverse young adults’ gender identity development in online LGBTQIA + communities

Background Online spaces are widely used by gender diverse communities and may reduce the risk of negative psychological outcomes faced by these communities. However, little is known about the role online environments play in the development of gender identity, which may explain the growing number of gender diverse youth ‘coming out’ earlier than seen previously. In this article, gender diverse refers to anyone whose internal sense of gender is incongruent with their assigned sex at birth such as: transgender, non-binary, and agender persons. Aim This article examines the role of online lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities on gender identity development and examines how the structure of these spaces may positively facilitate this development. Methods A sample of 9 gender diverse young adults 19–25 years old participated in online semi-structured interviews which were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Two main themes were developed: safe spaces in virtual places and the value of online spaces as educational resources. Discussion The findings indicate that online LGBTQIA + communities facilitate gender identity development for gender diverse young adults through providing a vital resource of gender diverse specific education and exposure to less visible gender identities. Implications for future research, recommendations for practice with gender diverse youth, and limitations are discussed.

Perceived Self-acceptance, Gender Identity, and Body Positivity among Transgender Women

The objective of this study was to understand the lived experience of transgender women by exploring their journey of self-acceptance, development of gender identity, and perceptions of body positivity. This research followed a qualitative approach, and the data was obtained by conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews with 10 participants who identified as transgender women. The interviews were transcribed and the data was analyzed using Thematic Analysis. The themes that were identified were grouped into three categories that were Self-Acceptance, Gender Identity, and Body Positivity. The themes under Self-Acceptance were Influences on Self-Acceptance, Significant Conflicts, Challenges Encountered, Coping Strategies, and Embracing Acceptance. The themes identified under the Gender Identity were Development of Gender Identity, Self-Efficacy, and Medical Aspects. The themes identified under Body Positivity were Physical Dysphoria, Influence of the Male Gaze, Existential Angst, and Validation. These themes explain the lived experience of the participants as transgender women on their journey of self-acceptance, the development of their gender identity, and their perceptions and sense of body positivity.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Among Donor-Conceived Offspring in the U.S. National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study from Adolescence to Adulthood

Abstract Introduction Concerns about parents with minoritized sexual identities often focus on the belief that their children will be confused about their gender and report a non-heterosexual orientation compared to children reared by heterosexual parents. Yet, few longitudinal studies exist. Methods Gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and sexual experiences were examined in 75 U.S. donor-conceived offspring (39 assigned females at birth (AFAB) and 36 assigned males at birth (AMAB)) of lesbian parents, when the offspring had reached adulthood (ages 30–33). Additionally, 72 of these offspring (38 AFAB and 34 AMAB) had also completed surveys in adolescence (age 17, data collected 2004–2009) and emerging adulthood (age 25, data collected 2012–2017), which enabled us to examine the developmental pathways of their sexuality. Results All AMAB offspring and 94.7% of AFAB offspring who identified as cisgender during adolescence continued to do so during emerging adulthood and adulthood. Over time, sexual orientation was more fluid than gender identity, and AFAB offspring were more fluid than AMAB offspring. Specifically, considering those who reported the same (heterosexual/straight; lesbian, gay/homosexual; or bisexual+) sexual orientation from adolescence through emerging adulthood to adulthood, 63.9% were AFAB and 82.4% were AMAB. More than half of AFAB offspring and 80.6% of AMAB offspring identified as heterosexual in adulthood, and the vast majority had had sex with a non-transgender man (86.5%) and a non-transgender woman (93.6%), respectively, in the last 5 years. Conclusions This is the only study that has followed the biological offspring of lesbian parents from birth to adulthood, prospectively and longitudinally. The results indicate that offspring of lesbian parents are less likely to identify as transgender than the general public, but more likely to identify as LGB or queer. Policy Implications As gender and sexual identity development significantly impacts well-being, creating supportive environments for offspring of lesbian parents and increasing public awareness of the connections among developmental milestones, health, and thriving are vital.

Gender diversity and autism spectrum disorder in child and youth population

IntroductionInterest in the co-occurrence of gender dysphoria and autism spectrum disorder has gained prominence in recent years. Gender dysphoria refers to the distress experienced when there is an incongruence between gender identity and sex assigned at birth. On the other hand, autism spectrum disorder is characterized by difficulties in communication and social interaction, as well as restrictive and repetitive patterns of behavior.ObjectivesThe aim of this paper is to review the current available literature in order to expand our knowledge about gender identity and dysphoria in the population with autism spectrum disorder.MethodsA qualitative review was conducted over the last 20 years, using the Medline database through PubMed. Combinations of MeSH terms related to gender identity and people with autism spectrum disorder were used, selecting those studies in English, French or Spanish that met the objectives of the review, excluding references in other languages. The scientific evidence obtained was analyzed and synthesized.ResultsThe development of gender identity of people with autism spectrum disorder can be a complex process. Comparing the general population with the population with autism spectrum disorder, a higher prevalence of gender dysphoria has been evidenced in the population with autism spectrum disorder, and within this group when segmented by gender, greater in women than in men.ConclusionsThis review highlights the importance of increasing knowledge about sexuality and gender dysphoria in people with autism spectrum disorder in order to facilitate the development, understanding and acceptance of their gender identity and sexual orientation of these people.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

White American transgender adults' retrospective reports on the social and contextual aspects of their gender identity development.

A growing body of research has attended to the experiences of transgender and gender non-conforming (TGN) youth's gender identity development. However, practical and ethical concerns have impeded our ability to understand the experiences of TGN youth. Thus, the aim of this study was to utilize one-on-one semi-structured interviews to explore White American TGN adults' (N = 15) retrospective accounts of their gender identity development in childhood and adolescence. Findings demonstrate considerable heterogeneity in TGN adults' retrospective accounts of their gender identity development. However, TGN adults consistently highlighted the role of social (e.g. friends, family and teachers) and contextual (e.g. online, offline, educational and geographical) factors in their gender identity journeys. This study provides new insight into the role of social and contextual factors in TGN adults' retrospective accounts of their gender identity development, demonstrating the importance of continuing to examine these factors in gender diversity research.

Recognizing, Evaluating, and Prioritizing the Fundamental Factors Influencing the Growing Prevalence of Transgender and Non-Binary Gender Identity in the Pediatric Population

This review observes the growing demographic of individuals identifying as transgender or non-binary, which currently represents approximately 1.3% (depending on the source) of the U.S. population. This population is shown to skew younger.Environmental xenobiotics, particularly those containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are scrutinized for their role in affecting hormonal regulation crucial for gender identity differentiation. The research also highlights how exposure to pharmaceuticals with endocrine-disrupting properties may induce atypical patterns in gender identity development, suggesting that a variety of exogenous elements could impact neuroendocrine sexual differentiation.Medical disorders associated with altered androgen levels, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), are considered for their potential influence on gender identity from a biological perspective. Moreover, the role of diet and nutrition, particularly plant-based diets rich in phytoestrogens and conditions linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome, are explored for their effects on hormonal balance and, consequently, gender identity expression.This review acknowledges the significant impact of media representation and societal norms on shaping attitudes concerning gender expression and identity.The article points to psychological assessments and somatic markers as tools to explore prenatal hormone influences on gender identity, though emphasizing that they are not definitive. Furthermore, genetic and epigenetic findings offer a more in-depth understanding but lack diagnostic application. The identification and recognition of transgender and non-binary individuals continue to be self-determined processes that defy objective measurement by current medical standards.