Gender-related Experiences Research Articles

Exploring the Impact of Sex and Gender in Brain Function: Implications and Considerations.

Sex and gender are crucial variables in understanding brain development and disease. Biological sex is determined by genetic and hormonal factors, whereas gender is a multidimensional construct shaped by social and cultural influences. The interplay of these factors contributes to sex-specific susceptibilities and disease progression in psychiatric and neurological disorders. However, sex and gender are often considered as a single variable, which can lead to biased data analysis and interpretation. This commentary aims to analyze how sex and gender influence brain structure and function, with implications for personalized medicine, research, and the development of gender-sensitive clinical guidelines. Findings from various studies employing neuroimaging techniques and animal models are discussed, as well as the impact of biological sex, gender, environmental, cultural, and social factors on brain development, organization, and behavior. Evidence suggests that sex differences in brain structure and function are not only genetically determined but arealso influenced by gender-related experiences and societal contexts. Importantly, discrepancies between male and female brains are reduced in gender-equal societies. Preclinical studies play a pivotal role in determining the influence of biological sex, independent of gender, in different disease models. The findings underscore the need to consider both sex and gender in research and clinical practice to avoid biases and promote equitable health outcomes. Moving forward, we advocate for gender-sensitive approaches to be integrated into brain research and in clinical guidelines to achieve personalized and precision medicine.

Suicide Ideation Among Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents: The Role of Parental Invalidation of Adolescents' Gender Identity.

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth experience chronic and acute stressassociated with their gender identity contributing to their increased risk of suicide and suicide ideation (SI) compared to non-TGD peers. This study examined how invalidating and accepting gender-related experiences with a parent impact SI severity among TGD adolescents cross-sectionally and longitudinally, within-person.Participants were 15 TGD adolescents with past month SI recruited across community and clinical settings. Adolescents completed a baseline assessment of validated interviews and self-report measures on parental invalidation and SI severity. Over a 14-day follow-up period, adolescents reported instances of parental gender invalidation and acceptance, relative stress of those experiences, and SI severity multiple times/dayvia ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Bivariate associations of parental invalidation and acceptance with SI were examined at baseline, while multilevel models examined the relationship within-person over follow-up. Cross-sectionally, greater perceived invalidation and non-affirmation by their parents was associated with more severe SI. Over the follow up, instances ofperceivedparental invalidation were associated with passive SI within-person. Findings partially supportthe minority stress theory and social safety perspectiveby showing that perceived gender-invalidation from parents affectsSIin TGD adolescents, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Further research is needed to identify specific emotional and cognitive factors, such as perceived stress, that contribute to the risk ofSIamong TGD youth and inform the development of targeted interventions for this vulnerable population.

“Family doctors are also people”: a qualitative analysis of how family physicians managed competing personal and professional responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundFamily physicians (FPs) fill an essential role in public health emergencies yet have frequently been neglected in pandemic response plans. This exclusion harms FPs in their clinical roles and has unintended consequences in the management of concurrent personal responsibilities, many of which were amplified by the pandemic. The objective of our study was to explore the experiences of FPs during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic to better understand how they managed their competing professional and personal priorities.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with FPs from four Canadian regions between October 2020 and June 2021. Employing a maximum variation sampling approach, we recruited participants until we achieved saturation. Interviews explored FPs’ personal and professional roles and responsibilities during the pandemic, the facilitators and barriers that they encountered, and any gender-related experiences. Transcribed interviews were thematically analysed.ResultsWe interviewed 68 FPs during the pandemic and identified four overarching themes in participants’ discussion of their personal experiences: personal caregiving responsibilities, COVID-19 risk navigation to protect family members, personal health concerns, and available and desired personal supports for FPs to manage their competing responsibilities. While FPs expressed a variety of ways in which their personal experiences made their professional responsibilities more complicated, rarely did that affect the extent to which they participated in the pandemic response.ConclusionsFor FPs to contribute fully to a pandemic response, they must be factored into pandemic plans. Failure to appreciate their unique role and circumstances often leaves FPs feeling unsupported in both their professional and personal lives. Comprehensive planning in anticipation of future pandemics must consider FPs’ varied responsibilities, health concerns, and necessary precautions. Having adequate personal and practice supports in place will facilitate the essential role of FPs in responding to a pandemic crisis while continuing to support their patients’ primary care needs.

Overcoming Gender Barriers in Sports—An Opportunity of Adventure/High Risk Sports?

Adventure/high risk sports (AHRS) were developed in a different social context and are usually not separated by sex which might lead to differences in gender-related experiences. This study qualitatively compared 10 female traditional sport participants (soccer players) with 10 female AHRS participants (trad climbers [TC]) regarding their experience of possible gender-related advantages and disadvantages in their sports. The TC climbed with more male partners. The TC reported to not consider gender as a determining factor in the choice of climbing partner or their trad climbing experience. The TC mentioned more female advantages in their sport participation and reported fewer gender-related barriers than soccer players. Differences might be explained through mixed gender sports participation and the differing demands in TC. Unlike traditional sports, AHRS does not imply defeating an opponent. The challenge in AHRS is set by the participant and the environmental conditions, which seem to be less related to sex and gender.

Better Together? Analyzing Experiences from Male and Female Students and Teachers from Single-Sex and Coeducational Physical Education Classes.

Purpose: Since personal, environmental and behavioral factors influence students’ and teachers’ actions and experiences, the present study aimed to assess gender-related experiences of students and teachers from single-sex and coeducational physical education (PE) settings. Method: In total, 64 students (mean age: 13.8 ± 0.5 years) and 12 PE teachers from single-sex and coeducational PE settings from higher education schools (6th to 13th grade) in Germany and Austria were interviewed. Interviews were analyzed using a thematic content approach. Results: Students from coeducational PE settings described more gender-unrelated behavior and a higher variety of activities including various non-gender conforming activities. Male students from single-sex PE settings reported performing only gender conform and some gender-neutral activities. Teachers from coeducational settings stated that they purposefully formed mixed-gender groups to foster social processes. A lack of time and lack of knowledge were named by PE teachers as reasons for not addressing gender issues in PE by teachers. Conclusion: Performed activities and teachers’ behavior differed between PE settings, eventually influencing reported differences in terms of behavior and gender perception by students. Further studies should evaluate the influence of specific physical activity interventions on gender perceptions and students’ behavior in order to give practical recommendations for PE classes.

Impact of gender in congenital heart surgery: Results from a national survey

ObjectiveThere are limited data regarding the impact of gender within congenital heart surgery. Our aim was to assess gender-related experiences by surgeons in this field. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was emailed to practicing congenital heart surgeons to ascertain the perception of gender in 5 domains: training, professional career, clinical practice, personal life, and career outlook. ResultsThe survey response rate was 94% (17/18) for women and 44% (112/257) for men. More than half of women (53%) were discouraged from pursuing congenital heart surgery (P < .001) and reported a negative impact of gender in attaining their first congenital heart surgery job (P < .001) compared with men. Despite similar demographics, women reported lower starting annual salaries ($150K-$250K vs $250K-$400K), lower current annual salaries ($500K-$750K vs $750K-$1M), lower academic ranks (clinical instructor 6% vs 4% [P = .045], assistant professor 35% vs 19% [P = .19], associate professor 41% vs 25% [P = .24], and professor 6% vs 41% [P = .005]) along with lower annual salaries at the associate professor ($500K-$750K vs $1M-$1.25M) and professor levels ($1M-$1.25M vs >$1.5M) compared with men. Sexual harassment was experienced more frequently by women both in training (65% vs 6%, P < .001) and in practice (65% and 4%, P < .001). ConclusionsThis survey highlights many areas of gender-related differences: discouragement due to gender to pursue congenital heart surgery, sexual harassment in training and practice, salary and academic rank differentials, negative gender perception at work, and lower career satisfaction for women. Despite various differences between both genders, the majority in each group would choose to enter this profession again as well as encourage others to do so.

In the shadow of gender: Wives of prisoners in Turkey

ABSTRACT Imprisonment of men can many negative economic, social and psychological effects on prisoners, their spouses and children. It is important to evaluate these and understand the gender-related experiences of wives of prisoners. So, we conducted three focus group discussions (FGDs) with 14 women in Turkey. We used an inductive content analysis approach and identified four relevant themes as follows: (1) women’s roles (as spouse, mother and social beings), (2) poverty, (3) stigma and exclusion, and (4) coping mechanisms. We noted that our respondents faced economic problems, difficulties in raising children, social exclusion, and emotional difficulties. In Turkey, gender norms and insufficient policies and services for such women exacerbate such issues. It is therefore important to develop gender-sensitive services that would empower and support them.

Are There Differences in Video Gaming and Use of Social Media among Boys and Girls?-A Mixed Methods Approach.

Gaming is widespread among adolescents and has typically been viewed as an activity for boys. There are however a growing number of female gamers and we need to learn more about how gender affects gaming. The aim of this study is to both quantify gaming among Norwegian adolescents and explore how gender differences are perceived. A mixed method approach was used to capture gaming experiences among boys and girls. Survey data (N = 5607) was analyzed descriptively, and five focus groups were conducted, applying thematic analysis. Statistics showed that boys from the age of 14 use video games up to 5 times more than girls, while girls are much more on social media. From the focus groups, we found that boys did not view social media as socially significant as gaming and that there is a greater social acceptance of gaming among boys than among girls. Gender differences in video gaming are not necessarily a problem per se, as they may reflect gender-specific motivations and interests. However, the study also finds that girls feel less encouraged than boys to play video games due to different gender-related experiences of video gaming. Therefore, gendered barriers in video gaming must be explored in future research.

Measurement and construct validity of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire Short Form in a transgender and gender diverse community sample.

This study evaluated the measurement and construct validity of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire Short Form (EDE-QS) in a transgender and gender diverse sample. Participants who self-identified as transgender and gender diverse (N = 71) completed self-report measures of demographics, gender-related experiences, and disordered eating/body image. Analyses comprised evaluation of EDE-QS internal consistency, convergent validity, and specificity for disordered eating. The EDE-QS demonstrated strong internal consistency in the full sample, in participants with and without suspected eating disorders, and in each gender identity group; and correlated significantly with indices of disordered eating and body image. The full scale and each item significantly differentiated between participants with and without suspected eating disorders. This study provides initial evidence for good measurement and construct validity of the EDE-QS as applied to transgender and gender diverse individuals. Findings offer the EDE-QS as a promising, brief tool for screening and/or population-based research related to disordered eating in this high-risk, yet underserved population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Daily gender expression is associated with psychological adjustment for some people, but mainly men

To what extent does gender expression vary day-to-day? Are daily changes related to psychological adjustment in the same way for all individuals? A person-specific approach was used to answer these questions in a 75-day intensive longitudinal study. Fifty-seven cisgender adults (27 women) provided over 4000 reports of daily masculinity and femininity and of three indices of internalizing problems. Results revealed: (a) substantial daily fluctuations in gender expression, especially in women; (b) sample-level links between daily increases in femininity or reductions in masculinity and heightened anxiety, depression, and self-reproach for men, but no apparent links for women; and (c) person-specific links between gender expression and psychological adjustment, such that some women reported internalizing problems with reduced masculinity (average male pattern) and some men reported problems with heightened masculinity (opposite the average male pattern). Findings highlight how intensive longitudinal research can illuminate the uniqueness of gender-related daily experiences, and their implications for the wellbeing of individuals.

Gender differences in barriers to mental healthcare for UK military veterans: a preliminary investigation

IntroductionLimited UK research focuses on female military veterans’ gender-related experiences and issues when accessing civilian mental healthcare support. This study sought to illuminate a preliminary understanding of any gender differences...

A Comparison of Demographic and Psychosocial Characteristics Between Transgender Youth Enrolling Versus Not Enrolling in a Multisite Study.

Purpose: To characterize demographics, psychosocial functioning, and gender-related experiences in transgender youth enrolling versus declining participation in a multisite research study. Methods: Clinical data were abstracted from patient charts at two study sites. Continuous variables were compared using t-tests, and categorical variables were compared using χ 2 tests based on study enrollment status. Results: Few significant differences were observed between enrolled and nonenrolled youth. None of these differences (i.e., designated sex at birth/gender identity; parent-reported separation anxiety; and youth-reported attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) was replicated across sites. Conclusion: Trans Youth Care findings are likely generalizable to transgender youth initiating hormone treatment at pediatric academic centers.

Conversations with Five Highly Successful Female Educational Psychologists: Patricia Alexander, Carol Dweck, Jacquelynne Eccles, Mareike Kunter, and Tamara van Gog

Previous studies have investigated the characteristics, influencing factors, and working strategies of highly successful educational psychologists. These studies, however, have focused mainly on male scholars. Consequently, little is known about how successful female educational psychologists go about their work and are so productive. In the present study, we addressed this gap by interviewing five leading female educational psychologists (Patricia Alexander, Carol Dweck, Jacquelynne Eccles, Mareike Kunter, and Tamara van Gog) about factors that have aided their success and about their gender-related experiences. The five female scholars revealed their trademark characteristics, the important people and places that influenced their careers, and their time- and research-management strategies. They also provided unique insights about their experiences and perspectives as women in the field of educational psychology. Findings offer guidance for budding scholars, particularly women.

Gender is a multifaceted concept: evidence that specific life experiences differentially shape the concept of gender

ABSTRACTGender has been the focus of linguistic and psychological studies, but little is known about its conceptual representation. We investigate whether the conceptual structure of gender – as expressed in participants’ free-listing responses – varies according to gender-related experiences in line with research on conceptual flexibility. Specifically, we tested groups that varied by gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender-normativity. We found that different people stressed distinct aspects of the concept. For example, normative individuals mainly relied on a bigenderist conception (e.g., male/female; man/woman), while non-normative individuals produced more aspects related to social context (e.g., queer, fluidity, construction). At a broader level, our results support the idea that gender is a multifaceted and flexible concept, constituted by social, biological, cultural, and linguistic components. Importantly, the meaning of gender is not exhausted by the classical dichotomy opposing sex, a biological fact, with gender as its cultural counterpart. Instead, both aspects are differentially salient depending on specific life experiences.

Cuerpos de mujeres, significados de género y límites simbólicos en la gran minería en Chile

El artículo busca develar los modos en que trabajadoras de faenas mineras significan sus cuerpos, como barrera simbólica que produce segregación, discriminación y marginación, interpretados desde las nociones de violencia simbólica, valencia diferencial de los sexos, desigualdad de género, precariedad y estigma social. Desde una metodología cualitativa, a través del análisis de 31 entrevistas a operarias y supervisoras, se interpretan y triangulan percepciones en torno a trayectorias y experiencias de relacionamiento de género en la gran minería. La corporalidad como límite y violencia se expresa en la sexualización de sus cuerpos; juicio e infravaloración por la menor fuerza física; rechazo, estigmatización y banalización al cuerpo reproductivo; así como en exigencias por personificar rasgos hegemónicos masculinos para inspirar respeto, pero sin “perder feminidad” clásica, provocando desgaste y confrontación.

Dating violence perpetration: Masculine ideology and masculine gender role stress as predictors

Dating violence is one of intimate partner violence cases in Indonesia. Thus far, the motives of dating violence perpetration by a male partner to their intimate partner have not been established. This study aimed to identify the role of masculine ideology and masculine gender role stress as predictors of dating violence. This study collected data from three hundred and ten male college students aged 18-25 who have been involved in a romantic relationship for at least a year. The respondents were assessed with several measurement tools: Masculine Role Norm Inventory-Short Form (MRNI-SF), Masculine Gender Role Stress-Abbreviated (MGRS-A), and the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2). Data collected in this study was then analyzed using multiple regression analysis techniques. The findings show that masculine ideology significantly predicted dating violence, while masculine gender role stress did not predict dating violence. The present research adds to the understanding of the association between masculinity as a cognitive system and gender-related experience of distress to dating violence. Furthermore, masculine ideology can be useful to identify men who are likely to perpetrate dating violence towards their female partners.

Gender attitudes in adolescence: evaluating the Girl Rising gender-sensitization program in India

ABSTRACT Despite the gains India has made over the past 20 years, it remains a country with significant gender inequalities. Gender sensitization and empowerment programs during adolescence, when gender attitudes are formed, have the potential to diminish gender inequity. The Girl rising ‘Gender-sensitization program’ was implemented in 254 schools in India to support adolescents in identifying, articulating, and sharing their gender-related experiences. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with a one group pre- and post-test with a sub-sample of schools in rural Punjab and Rajasthan, India (n = 2,894 adolescents). Multivariable regression analyses adjusting for gender, grade, and district found that gender equality scores increased by 0.66 points (p < .001), gender roles/privileges/restrictions mean score increased by 0.41 points (p < .001), and gender attribute mean score increased by 0.17 points (p < .001). Gender-sensitization programs can play an important role in forming and changing gender attitudes during adolescence, and have the potential to alter their short and long-term beliefs.

Reaching substantive female representation among decision-makers: A qualitative research study of gender-related experiences from the health sector in Mozambique.

BackgroundAchieving significant female representation in government at decision-making levels has been identified as a key step towards achieving gender equality. In 2015, women held 39.6% of parliamentary seats in Mozambique, which is above the benchmark of 30% that has been suggested as the turning point for minority representation to move from token status to having a sizable impact. We undertook a study to identify gender-related barriers and facilitators to improving women-centered policies in the health sector.MethodsWe conducted in-depth interviews with 39 individuals (32 women, 7 men) involved at a senior level in policy making or implementation of woman-centric policies within the Mozambique Ministry of Health and affiliated institutions. We used a semi-structured interview guide that included questions on difficulties and facilitating factors encountered in the policy making process, and the perceived role of gender in this process. We used both deductive and inductive analysis approaches, starting with a set of pre-identified themes and expanding this to include themes that emerged during coding.ResultsOur data suggest two main findings: (1) the women who participated in our study generally do not report feeling discrimination in the workplace and (2) senior health sector perceive women to be more personally attuned to women-centric issues than men. Within our specific sample, we found little to suggest that gender discrimination is a problem professionally for female decision-makers in Mozambique. However, these findings should be contextualized using an intersectional lens with recognition of the important difference between descriptive versus substantive female representation, and whether “percentage of women” is truly the best metric for gaging commitment to gender equality at the policy making level.ConclusionsMozambique’s longstanding significant representation of women may have led to creating an environment that leads to positive experiences for female decision-makers in the government. However, while the current level of female representation should be celebrated, it does not negate the need for continued focus on female representation in decision-making positions.

Exploring Gender-Related Experiences of Cancer Survivors Through Creative Arts: A Scoping Review.

Negative health consequences of cancer and its treatments are multifaceted. Research suggests numerous psychosocial benefits may be gained by cancer survivors who engage in arts-based practices. To grasp the breadth of this literature, we undertook a scoping review exploring the intersection between arts-based practices, gender, and cancer. Three databases were searched according to the following criteria: (a) participants older than 18 years, (b) use of arts-based practices, (c) explore cancer survivorship, and (d) gender-based analysis component. A total of 1,109 studies were identified and 11 met inclusion criteria. Themes extracted illustrate four transformative moments related to gender identities postcancer diagnosis: (a) fostering reflection after a cancer diagnosis, (b) constructing new narratives of gender postcancer, (c) navigating gender norms in search of support for new identities, and (d) interrogation of perceived gender norms. Findings demonstrate potential contributions of arts-based practices in shaping cancer-related gender identities. Future research should investigate these experiences across a wider population.

Gender identity development among transgender and gender nonconforming emerging adults: An intersectional approach

ABSTRACTBackground: The present study used an intersectional framework to elucidate similarities and differences in the gender-related experiences reported by a diverse sample of transgender and gender nonconforming emerging adults (n = 20, age 19–22). The first aim was to identify dimensions of gender-related experience that captured how participants describe, relate to, and express their gender-related sense of self. The second aim was to identify intrapersonal processes that supported the development of participants' gender-related sense of self across these dimensions.Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted and data was analyzed using an inductive process of constructivist grounded theory.Results: Dimensions of gender-related experience included gender identity (e.g., internal sense of one's gender, how one wishes others to perceive their gender, gender identity labels), gender presentation (e.g., clothing, make-up, style), gender expression (e.g., role in relationships and interactions, interests/activities, personality), and physical self-image (e.g., desired primary and secondary sex characteristics). Intrapersonal processes included awareness, exploration, meaning making, and integration. Being able to fully express one's gender and having this sense of self accurately reflected back by others was important to all participants. However, much variation existed in gender-related experience, including how participants described their internal sense of self, expressed and communicated this sense of self, and related to others of similar and different genders.Conclusion: The intersectional approaches of both intercategorical and intracategorical complexity were useful in conceptualizing these similarities and differences in experience.