Identity Integration in Adolescents With Features of Gender Dysphoria Compared to Adolescents in General Population

The Role of Identity Formation in Explaining Dynamic Risk Factors Among Incarcerated Emerging Adults

Emerging adulthood is increasingly acknowledged as a discrete developmental stage with its own specific challenges. Identity formation is a major development task during emerging adulthood, yet its relationship to dynamic risk factors remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between identity diffusion and dynamic risk factors in a sample of young, incarcerated adults. The study involved 99 males between ages of 18 and 23, serving custodial sentences in four Lithuanian prisons. Zero-order correlations showed significant relationships between the length of the current sentence and psychopathology, and the number of previous sentencing occasions and dynamic risk factors. The results of hierarchical regression analysis revealed that identity diffusion explained dynamic risk factors above and beyond criminal history, protective factors, and psychopathology. These findings support a developmentally informed approach to correctional treatment, suggesting that interventions targeting identity diffusion could be suitable and beneficial for young, incarcerated adults. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Gender dysphoria in adolescence: examining the rapid-onset hypothesis

The sharp rise in the number of predominantly natal female adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria and seeking treatment in specialized clinics has sparked a contentious and polarized debate among both the scientific community and the public sphere. Few explanations have been offered for these recent developments. One proposal that has generated considerable attention is the notion of "rapid-onset" gender dysphoria, which is assumed to apply to a subset of adolescents and young adults. First introduced by Lisa Littman in a 2018 study of parental reports, it describes a subset of youth, primarily natal females, with no childhood indicators of gender dysphoria but with a sudden emergence of gender dysphoria symptoms during puberty or after its completion. For them, identifying as transgender is assumed to serve as a maladaptive coping mechanism for underlying mental health issues and is linked to social influences from peer groups and through social media. The purpose of this article is to analyze this theory and its associated hypotheses against the existing evidence base and to discuss its potential implications for future research and the advancement of treatment paradigms.

"Just Listen to Me. Help Me Explore it." An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Exploring Experiences of Gender Dysphoria, Identity And Resilience in Autistic Adolescents Assigned Female at Birth

Much of the current autism and gender literature has been based within a medical deficiency model; where both are seen as deficiencies rather than differences. However, there is currently minimal knowledge about the experiences of being an autistic adolescent who is both assigned female at birth and has gender dysphoria (GD), whilst even less is known about their experiences of social identity, self-concept and resilience. This study aims to explore experiences of GD with a particular focus on identity and resilience to promote parent and healthcare staff understanding; particularly around gender-affirming care, to foster positive mental health outcomes. Five assigned female at birth autistic adolescents, who identify as trans men/boys, took part in one-to-one semi-structured interviews, which were analysed using an Interpretative Phenomenological Approach. Five subordinate themes arose; "Having both autism and GD", "Finding where I belong", "Being more than labels", "Trying to cope" and "Making support successful". Our findings build on current literature and theory regarding the experience of concurrent autism and GD; highlighting its legitimacy, the ways in which autism impacts upon GD and how healthcare approaches and policy can increase accessibility and suitability of gender-affirming care.

Phenomenology of gender dysphoria in autism: a multiperspective qualitative analysis

BACKGROUND

Autistic people are overrepresented in gender clinic settings, but limited evidence is available to guide clinical decision making for this patient group. We aimed to generate a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenology of gender dysphoria in autistic people.

METHODS

We conducted a multi-perspectival interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), from five different perspectives; autistic young people and adults with experience of gender dysphoria, parents of young people, and clinicians working with autistic people with gender dysphoria in both adult and young person settings (n = 68).

RESULTS

IPA analysis resulted in two themes, 'discovering gender identity' and 'the complexities of moving towards gender comfort'. Participants agreed that there was often an interaction between gender dysphoria and features of autism such as sensory sensitivities. There was relative consensus across groups about the need for autism adaptations to be made in gender clinics. Autistic adults were more likely to see autism as an important identity than young people, but both groups were clear that autism did not impair their understanding of gender. In contrast, some parents and clinicians working with young people expressed concern that autism did impact self-understanding.

DISCUSSION

While the groups tended to agree on the ways in which particular features of autism can compound gender dysphoria, there were a range of perspectives on the ways in which autism impacted on self-knowledge.

CONCLUSION

Recommendations for adaptations when working with autistic people with gender dysphoria are presented.