...Gender Identity Disorder Defined To be diagnosis with Gender Identity Disorder (GID) the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV-TR) says “There are two components of Gender Identity Disorder, both of which must be present too make the diagnosis. There must be evidence of a strong and persistent cross- gender identification, which is the desire to be, or the insistence that one is, of the other sex. There must also be evidence of persistent discomfort about one's assigned sex or sense of inappropriateness in the gender role of that sex. To make the diagnosis, there must be evidence of clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning (American Psychiatric Association [DSM-IV-TR], 2000). There are several diagnosis mentioned in the DSM. Transvestic Fetishism is when heterosexual men cross dress for sexual excitement. These people don't necessarily have childhood cross gender behaviors. Schizophrenia patients may demonstrate Gender Identity Disorder behaviors. The DSM is used by many mental health workers to officially diagnosis a patient, most insurance companies won't pay for treatment if proper diagnosis hasn't been made. Kenneth Zucker PH.D. is a well known psychologist and sexologist, and head of the child and adolescent gender identity clinic at Toronto's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Zucker supports GID being listed as a disorder in the DSM. He has also been chosen to by the APA to...
Words: 1609 - Pages: 7
...Gender Identity Raymond Santiago PSY 265 March 24, 2012 Laura Schulz Gender Identity Gender identity is one’s belief that one is male or female, and an important aspect of self-concepts. Studies show there are a variety of factors that help determine gender identity. Most of us can remember something that helped determine our own personal identity. These personal experiences were important as they helped shape the future and what gender would be identified with. I will share my own personal reflection at what exactly helped me determine my own personal gender identify. There are also stereotypes that associate with each gender that help shape characters and who we are as well as who we will become. These stereotypes will be addressed as well as their importance. Biological factors play a huge role in shaping children's physical development. For instance, boys and girls are born with distinctive sexual organs, and become further differentiated when secondary sexual characteristics emerge upon puberty. Naturally occurring chemical messenger compounds in the body known as hormones are responsible for coordinating the appearance of these physical differences. Some research suggests that the same sex hormones that enable sexual organ differentiation in utero and which later trigger puberty also plays an important role in shaping gender identity. Boys tend to have more androgens (male sex hormones) than girls. However, some boys and girls are born...
Words: 1084 - Pages: 5
...Gender Identity Ryan Boyd PSY/340 February 28, 2013 Felicia Martin Gender Identity Many people are curious to know what controls a human beings sexual orientation. There has been an ongoing debate about nature versus nurture and its connection to human sexual orientation. There are also other influences that have an effect on sexual differentiation and gender identity. This paper will explain the interaction between hormones and behavior, and how these interactions affect the determination of gender identity. The sexual behavior of humans are shaped and influenced by cultural factors that lead human sexuality to be expressed in various ways through many cultures historically. The biological factors in sexual differentiation are very important to the human because it allows a person to grasp and understand the complexities and problems that are involved in human sexual conditions. The premature stages of sexual differentiation after birth are influenced by environmental factors. Once the child advance from childhood and into young adulthood the influences of biological, environmental, and culture has an effect on sexual differentiation. According to Ault and Brzuzy (2009), gender identity is a multifaceted system of ideas surrounding masculinity and femininity, in terms of the roles prescribed to men and women by society, and how they relate to maleness and femaleness in relation to the self. Gender identity is presented through behavioral expressions of masculinity...
Words: 963 - Pages: 4
...Gender Identity Gender Identity Gender identity is a complex and multi-dimensional element of a person (Egan & Perry, 2001). Gender identity is the self – identification as male or female. Gender identity, however, is not the same as sexual orientation (Sue, Sue, & Sue, 2010). Both biological and environmental factors contribute to one’s gender identity. Many people have the assumption that there are male and female hormones that determine gender identity (Pinel, 2009). However, this is not the case. In this paper, I will discuss how hormones, as well as environment, affect one’s gender identity and behavior. Biological Factors and Sexual Differentiation The human body consists of many hormones. Among them are androgens, estrogens, and progestins. Androgens and estrogens are both the most common classes of gonadal hormones. A third class of gonadal hormones is progestins. The most common progestin is progesterone. Progesterone prepares the uterus and breasts for pregnancy in females; however it is unclear of its purpose in males (Pinel, 2009). Although it is widely assumed that androgens are “male” hormones and estrogens are “female” hormones. In actuality, men and women have the same hormones although at different levels. These hormones also do not perform the same functions in both sexes. Males and females are both exposed to high levels of estrogens during the fetal stage. However, males are exposed to high androgen levels during the same...
Words: 1073 - Pages: 5
...Gender Identity When the word gender is brought up, the first thought that comes to mind is weither the person is male or female. This is not necessarily correct. The term sex is a biological term that refers to the physical differences between males and females. If sex is the term that encompasses male or female, then what exactly is gender? Gender is a psychological term that refers to the awareness and reaction to the biological term of sex. It also is a term that can construe more than one meaning. Gender is determined by biological, psychological, and sociological factors. Gender consists of three elements: gender role, gender identity, and sexual orientation or preference (Kenyon, 1994-2006). Gender role, is defined as the outward manifestations of personality that reflect the gender identity. Basically, it occurs when someone adopts the masculine or feminine behavioral traits that are associated with each sex. Gender role is manifested within society by observable factors such as behavior and appearance (Ghosh, 2009). Gender identity refers to a person’s personal sense of whether he or she are male or female (or rarely, both or neither). Gender identity, in nearly all instances, is self-identified, as a result of a combination of inherent and extrinsic or environmental factors (Ghosh, 2009). And sexual orientation or preference is whom a person is physically and sexually attracted to. In this paper the topics of discussion will be the interaction between hormones and...
Words: 1364 - Pages: 6
...Gender Identity Quinsigamond Community College English April 25, 2014 Gender Identity There are many contributing factors that lead to how one view their own gender identity and also how they view others. It is my opinion that at the earliest stages of our lives we are already beginning to form our gender identity. As we begin to connect with our parents we are molded and we identify with our same sex parent. I lost my father when I was seven years old, however, I had already identified my gender and much of my mannerisms came from him. I’m sure most of it is just in my genetic make-up, however, I do know that although I only had seven years with him I was able to identify with him. Growing up in a household of all women, at a very young age, allowed me to see how women view their gender identity. I noted that my sisters and my mother were all particularly influenced by media and pictures in magazines. My sisters especially would always be out shopping to “stay on top” of the fashion trend in order to be viewed as feminine, and attractive. I do believe core family values does play a part of gender identity however I think the media has the biggest influence. We see young children trying to mimic the idols they see in the media. We see young children with eating disorders and posting pictures of their frail bodies online. We see reports in the media of adolescents committing suicide as they struggle with their gender identity and look for acceptance from their...
Words: 294 - Pages: 2
...Internal and External Factors Influencing the Development of Gender Identity Lanita Doub Liberty University COUN 502-Human Growth & Development Laura Rolen August 11, 2012 Internal and External Factors Influencing the Development of Gender Identity Gender identity is defined as "the perception of oneself as male or female", ( Feldman, 2011). Gender is established by the time a child reaches his or her preschool years. "By the age of two, children consistently label themselves and those around them as male or female" (Feldman, 2011). Preschoolers are very rigid in their beliefs about gender-appropriate behavior. These beliefs become more pronounced by the age of five years. By age seven years the beliefs are still there, although less rigid. Preschooler's ideas of stereotypical behavior are compared to those of traditional adults. Preschoolers develop a gender schema, "a cognitive framework that organizes information relevant to gender"(Feldman, 2011). For example, a preschool boy may refuse to wear makeup in a school play because he knows that makeup is for girls only. In 1966, Lawrence Kohlberg proposed a cognitive-developmental theory, which explains the rigidity of preschoolers as their understanding of gender, and gender appropriate behavior (Feldman, 2011). Shuvo Ghosh states that the development of gender identity "clearly begins in the intrauterine stage". He attributes this to hormone production...
Words: 3635 - Pages: 15
...Gender Identity According to the dictionary gender identity is “a person’s inner sense of being male or female, usually developed during early childhood as a result of parental practices and societal influences and strengthened during puberty by hormonal changes” (Dictionary.com 2013) The Encyclopedia Britannica states the gender identity is not fixed at birth. It is the combination of social and physiologic factors that contribute identity and then it is “modified and expanded by social factors as the child grows and matures.” (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2013) There are many factors that can determine gender identity, such as nature, biological, social and environmental. According to chapter six, “Gender identity is almost always consistent with chromosomal sex, but such consistency does not certify that gender identity is biologically determined.” (Rathus, Nevid, and Fichner-Rathus, Pg. 168) Biological views tend to focus on which genetics, brain structure or hormone is linked to behavior patterns. It has been researched that there are both male and female whom have been born with “congenital adrenal hyperplasia.” This condition will cause higher androgen hormone levels that those of their peers. For the females born with this condition, they act and display more masculine traits. Studies have shown that social environments and child rearing will also impact the development of gender identities. One would argue that a child’s behaviors, interests and self-concept...
Words: 602 - Pages: 3
...Deanna Hancock November 24, 2014 Literature Review: This article is discussing the role of gender identity in an adolescent's growing of age. This is an important part of their lives. Gender identity started coming around in the 1970's where there were more homosexuals and more health concerns related with their population. This gave the community a larger conflict to study and having to learn to cope with the growing numbers of homosexuals in the area. Most people believe that the result of their homosexuality came about from their childhood experiences. Studies show that it is more common for a child who was abused at home is more likely to become a homosexual than not, this is the behavior that results in health concerns such as HIV/AIDS. Studies have also shown that sexual desire can occur with the developments of puberty. This can make for problems with a growing adolescent making them more depressed and more outcast from the crowd due to their homosexuality. Trends show them becoming more stressed due to the identity confusing they are going through. When they decide to 'come out' and tell their peers and families about their homosexuality, it can typically not become a good result. It can make for verbal or physical abuse, loss of social relationships, and feelings of rejection. Parents play an important role in their child's coming out because they need to be the one's that are going to support them. The parent will be their guard when they are going through this...
Words: 1988 - Pages: 8
...Gender Identity Many different factors come into play while figuring and ultimately understanding someone’s gender identity. What many do not understand is that everything may not be what it seems, and just because something appears a certain way, does not mean it will perform the same. A person may look at their body and understand they may look like a boy, but to themselves they are not a boy. When taking a look into the anatomy of a human chromosomes are what make up a humans gender role. The sexual chromosomes determine the difference, for example, XX chromosomes make up a female, while XY chromosomes make a male. The X chromosome is the more dominate chromosome and has the ability to develop either sexual genitals. It has been discovered that hormones are responsible for a human’s biological development, and after they are born should be exposed to hormones. The Y chromosome directs the glands to release male sex hormones, and while pregnant it is important to take hormones, because it will take care of the nervous system. It takes many years to understand who we are, or even sometimes people never really understand themselves, but what we do know, is that you are not born knowing who you are. There are many factors that come into play all while trying to understand yourself, such as your environment, religious views, parental guidance. While growing up children are first influenced by their parents, and then as they soon start school, they are often influenced by...
Words: 915 - Pages: 4
...Gender Identity The great science fiction writer, Robert Heinlein (1961), once wrote, "Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea" (p. 2). The sexual revolution of the past few generations, epitomized in this quote, has come to define the question of gender identity in my generation. The static nature of gender roles have been questioned and found lacking, and a more dynamic approach to gender roles has been adopted in its place. As I read our textbook I was astonished how the authors postulate that the ideal gender role is neutral, exhibiting traits of both the masculine and female genders (Finchner-Rathus, Nevid, Rathus, 2005). I was also astonished by the admonition that there is increasing evidence that gender identity is determined by prenatal development at the hand of hormones, again not in all cases but in most. However, gender identity is determined by a complex interaction between genetics, hormones, and experience which have all worked collectively to create my masculine gender identity. Before I explain my own masculine gender identity it might be advantageous to first explain the psychological and physiological basis for gender identity. As stated before, gender identity is determine by a complex interaction between many forces. But how do these forces interact and do some of them determine others? Gender identity starts with the Y sex chromosome. During fertilization an X chromosome from the mother and...
Words: 1154 - Pages: 5
...Gender Identity Disorder The psychological diagnosis of Gender Identity Disorder (GID) describes an individual who experiences a strong identification with the opposite sex. This cross-gender identification refers to the desire to be, or the insistence that one is, of the other sex, often results in the individual experiencing high levels of discomfort and distress. Many key terms are commonly misunderstood and are often assumed to be synonymous when referring to Gender Identity Disorder. Thus, it is important to differentiate these terms. First, the term “sex” refers to an individual’s biological reproductive structures. Whereas, gender refers to the psychosocial, expected behaviours and rules an individual attributes to. Gender identity refers to the individual’s subjective feelings towards the particular gender they identify with. Lastly, gender role is another important concept that should be properly defined. It refers to the behaviours, attitudes, and schemas that a society deems acceptable and designates as either masculine or feminine (Dragpwski, Scharron-del Rio & Sandigorsky, 2011). The DSM-IV-TR defines two important components of Gender Identity Disorder. The first is the presence of strong and persistent cross-gender identification (Criterion A) (DSM-IV-TR, 2010). In children, the problem must lie within 4 of the 5 following behavioural characteristics: (a) repeatedly stated desire to be, or insistence that he or she is, the other sex; (b) in boys, preference...
Words: 3637 - Pages: 15
...Running Head: GENDER IDENTITY AND SEXUALITY Gender Identity and Sexuality Table of Contents Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………..3 Gender Identity and Sexuality……………………………………………………….. References………………………………………………………………………………….. Abstract Sexuality and gender identify are two separate terms but they relate to each other very much. Sexuality is anything that relates to sex. It includes birth control, abortion, our bodies, our gender and gender identity. Understanding how teens think about their sexuality helps us understand what they are going though as young adults. Gender Identity has changed in the last ten year. What is gender identity? It is the way we look at ourselves or how other people look at us. Some teens may be confused of what their sexual orientation is. And what is a counselor’s role to helping them out. Some teen may be unsure of their gender identity, if they are supposed to feel a certain way to the opposite sex or the same sex. Is TV and media persuading them that they have to be a certain way? In this paper I will tie to the two together. First a person has to be aware of their sexuality. Sex and Gender will also be explained. Even though they are the same they can be defined very different. Culture also plays a major part in sexuality, cultures such as Asians, Blacks, Whites and Latinos. Each culture handles sexuality different. Research includes exploring that many avenues of each culture. Introduction Human being are divers...
Words: 663 - Pages: 3
...Gender Identity Claye Exantus PSY/265 Psychology of Human Sexuality 06/22/2014 Instructor: Kimberly Sampson Axia College of University Of Phoenix Factors that determine gender identity: When determining factors of gender identification and gender roles, I have made some research and discovered that biological factors play an important role in shaping children’s physical development. Children such as boys and girls are born with distinctive sexual organs and become further differentiated when secondary sexual characteristics emerge upon puberty, and naturally there are chemical messenger compounds in the body that are known as hormones are responsible for coordinating the appearance of these physical differences. I addition to that, there are some research that suggest the same hormones that enable sexual organ differential in utero and later trigger puberty, which also play an important role in shaping gender identity. In addition, Gender identity can be defined as a personal conception of male or female, or rarely both or neither. Further information have helped in understanding that this concept is intimately related to the concept of gender role, which is defined as the outward manifestations of personality that reflect the gender identity. However people may view gender identity, I have read and understand that it is self-identified, and as a result of a combination...
Words: 784 - Pages: 4
...Gender Identity Disorder in Males: Causes, Effects & Prevention Natalie Krouse English Composition II Research-Based Position Essay Professor Barr January 12, 2012 Although most people have heard of Gender Identity Disorder, the majority of those people probably have no idea what it is and what it actually means. Gender Identity Disorder is a condition in which a male or female feels a strong identification with the opposite sex. The disorder strongly affects an individual’s self-image, and can impact a person’s mannerisms, behavior, and dress. Though GID is often misunderstood, if caught at an early age and treated properly it can be diminished. Signs of the disorder can be recognized in very early childhood but, if ignored, can often lead to an individual living a life full of confusion, pain and heartache. While GID is diagnosed in both boys and girls, it is most common in boys, especially those that are the more sensitive, emotional type. Most females that have been diagnosed with GID share a common link in that most of them have been sexually abused as a child. There are a lot of theories about the causes of GID in males, ranging from genetic abnormalities to a breakdown in normal bonding with parents at an early age. Among males that have been diagnosed with the disorder, there is one common factor between almost all of them: they had an absent or uninvolved father, and a mother that tried to make up for that with emotional over-involvement...
Words: 2009 - Pages: 9
