A parent who is very concerned about a 3-year-old son says, "He likes to play with girls' toys. Do you think he is homosexual or mentally ill?" Which response by the nurse most professionally describes the current understanding of gender identity?
a. "A child's interest in the activities of the opposite gender is not unusual or related to sexuality. Most children do not carry cross-gender interests into adulthood."
b. "It's difficult to say for sure because the research is incomplete so far, but chances are that he will grow up to be a normal adult."
c. "The research is incomplete, but many boys play with girls' toys and turn out normal as adults."
d. "I am sure that whatever happens, he will be a loving son, and you will be a proud parent."
ANS: A
The parent's inquiry is really two questions: (1) whether the child's behavior suggests an increased risk of developing mental illness and (2) what the child's future sexual preference will be. The psychiatric disorder that most directly addresses gender preferences and cross-gender activities is gender identity disorder. Pointing out that cross-gender activities are not necessarily related to gender identity and not likely to be carried into adulthood is supported by current research. Saying the child will grow up to be "normal" implies that to be homosexual is to be abnormal, which reflects a cultural perspective that most professionals would believe to be inappropriate to share in a professional setting. Research provides information about the relationship between cross-gender interests in childhood and adulthood, so a comment that "research is incomplete" is not entirely accurate. Stating that the child is a wonderful boy the father will be proud of, whatever happens, evades the parent's question and suggests that parental bonds should not be affected by gender issues. The nurse has a professional obligation to maintain an objective, therapeutic relationship.
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