Gender Development - Lecture 4

Question 1

Describe the transyouth project and the gulgoz et al 2019 paper

Answer 1

TransYouth project: examining socially-transitioned trans
children (comparing gender development between socially transitioned youth etc)

Gülgöz et al. (2019)
* Examining gender
development in trans
and cisgender
children
→ Gender identity
→ Gender expression/preferences

they’ve been doing this project for about 10 years and have built up a large sample from across north america/

Gender identity: both cis- and transgender
children identified with their current gender

Lots of variability within gender identities!

Similarity between transgender and cisgender youth

Argues for the role of self-socialization /
cognitive influences on gender identity and
development…

(Also similarity in use of
gender stereotypes, in
gender-consistent memory!
Trans youth slightly less
likely to think of gender as
stable/constant)

Question 2

What is true about transgender youth and mental health?

What are limitations to consider?

Answer 2

highschool students have an increased risk of being bullied, depressed, and suicidal.

socially transitioned youth ages 8-14 are not more likely to show symptoms of depression and anxiety/

Suggests that socially-transitioned
trans youth may have better mental
health outcomes than trans youth
generally (who may not have socially
transitioned)…
But, important caveats:
➢ Socially transitioned sample may be
better supported by family/
environment
➢ Socially transitioned sample tends
to be younger, higher income

socially transitioned sample is often 3-12 year olds

trans youth who have been able to socially transition are in communities that have allowed them to socially transition

Question 3

What do we know beyond the binary?

Answer 3

• Nonbinary, genderqueer,
  gender-fluid, agender, etc.
• Appears increasingly
  common, visible
• Current areas of research:
• Determining how best to
  measure non-binary identity
  in children
• Examining mental health
  outcomes between
  cisgender, transgender, and
  non-binary youth

we have a lack of research asking about gender diverse and gender non-binary youth.

measuring children who may not have the language around pronouns and fluidity to express this.