Role Of Chromosomes And Hormones In Gender Development Flashcards
What is the primary role of estrogen?
Promotes secondary sexual characteristics, e.g., breast development and directs menstrual cycle
Estrogen is crucial for female sexual development and reproductive health.
When is testosterone produced?
Prenatally (before baby is born)
Testosterone influences various aspects of development before and after birth.
How does testosterone affect brain development?
Affects development both prenatally and later in childhood
The hormone is linked to cognitive and behavioral outcomes.
What was the finding of Berenbaum et al. (2003) regarding drug exposure?
Found drugs made girls more tomboyish
This research suggests that hormonal exposure can influence gender-typical behavior.
What is oxytocin commonly referred to as?
The love hormone
Oxytocin is associated with bonding and social connection.
What did Reiner and Gearhart (2004) study?
Studied 16 genetic males with pituitary gland issues
Their research explored hormone effects on gender identity.
What role does oxytocin play in maternal behavior?
Evokes feelings of bonding and causes milk to flow in a lactating mother
Oxytocin is critical for mother-infant bonding.
What is the consequence of neonatal assignment of genetic males to female?
Results in unpredictable sexual identification
This highlights the complexity of gender identity development.
What was the methodology used by Van Leengoed et al. in their animal studies?
Injected oxytocin antagonist into rats shortly after birth
This was to inhibit oxytocin production and study its effects.
What did Dr. Money’s study conclude about Bruce’s conversion?
Best to convert Bruce to Brenda, despite challenges
This case raised ethical questions about gender assignment.
What behaviors were observed in mothers treated with oxytocin antagonist?
Showed delay in maternal behaviors, e.g., grooming with dolls
This suggests oxytocin’s role in facilitating maternal instincts.
What changes were noted in boys until age 7 regarding gender expression?
Dressed more in dresses and played with dolls
This indicates early childhood behavior can differ from later developmental stages.
What happened to the interests of boys during puberty according to the findings?
Masculine interests emerged, normal physicality was observed
This reflects the influence of biological factors on gender identity.
True or False: Oxytocin is only involved in maternal behavior.
False
Oxytocin also plays a role in social bonding and emotional responses.
