Atypical Gender Development Essay Plan

[A01]

Gender identity disorder is when the individual is genetically one sex but feels like another. They have to be distressed by this in order for it to be classed as a disorder.

Biological explanations of GID

Brain-sex theory- the BSTc is larger in heterosexual males than heterosexual females. It matches how the individual feels rather than what they biologically are.

A transsexual gene- a longer version of the androgen receptor gene reduces sensitivity to testosterone.

Environmental effects- exposure to the opposite hormone in the environment before birth can lead to GID.

Social explanations of GID

Mother-son relationships- this can lead to greater female identification in boys because they have no male role model.

Childhood trauma- maladaptive upbrining and childhood trauma can cause a mental illness. This is especially so at age 3 when gender develops.

Conditioning- getting rewarded for opposite-sex behaviours…