After educating a group of students on sexual maturation, the instructor determines that the education was successful when the students identify which of the following as referring to the anatomic and physiologic state of being male or female?

Question

A) Biosexual identity
B) Gender identity
C) Sex role identity
D) Sexual orientation

Answer 1

Ans: A
Sexual maturation encompasses four areas: biosexual identity, gender identity, sex role identity, and sexual orientation. Whereas biosexual identity refers to the anatomic and physiologic state of being male or female, gender identity is the conviction of belonging to a male or female gender. Both biosexual and gender identities result from genetic and intrauterine hormonal influences, not learned behavior. Sex role identity (or gender role) is the outward expression of gender, including behaviors, feelings, and attitudes. Sexual orientation refers to a person's sexual attraction to those of the opposite sex (heterosexual), same sex (homosexual), or both sexes (bisexual).