Present an overview of gender and gender identity. Review the diagnostic criteria and associated features of gender dysphoria

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Traditionally, sex was considered to be determined by genes, hormones, and physical genitalia, whereas gender could be defined as categories of male or female defined by cultural role expectations. Some researchers consider these definitions to be very simplistic, and the complex issue of defining these terms is outside the scope of abnormal psychology. Gender identity is the personal understanding of oneself as male or female. Gender identity typically develops by age 3 or 4. Usually, biological sex and gender identity match—boys who are genetically male describe themselves as boys, and girls who are genetically female describe themselves as girls. However, in some cases, biological sex and gender identity do not match, leading to distress and impairment. In such cases, the person is considered to have a gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria is not simply a momentary wish to be the opposite sex because of cultural or social advantages. It is strong and persistent cross-sex identification—a person's biological sex is inconsistent with his or her gender identity. This discrepancy leads to persistent discomfort with one's own sex or sense of inappropriateness in the gender role of one's sex.