Gender identity and preadolescence: a pilot study

Abstract Considering the scarcity of Italian investigations on gender identity in developmental age and specifically the total lack of investigation regarding preadolescence, we wanted to carry out a first exploratory study in this age bracket. We directed our attention to the cognitive and affective dimensions of gender identity. Moreover, we were interested in identifying possible deviations of gender typicality perception in a normal population as well as their associations, if any, with personality traits and psychosocial adjustment. Subjects’ age ranged from 9 to 13 years. Investigation was carried out with the following instruments: for children the Gender Identity Interview for Children and the Big Five Questionnaire (BFQ) were used; for teachers a Gender Identity Questionnaire, based on the observation of behaviours relating to gender identity and gender role of children, and for parents the Child Behaviour Checklist/ 4–18, CBCL. At a descriptive level, the majority of children seem to be satisfied with the sex to which they belong, although a remarkable percentage (40.2%) does not recognise any positive elements to their gender. Descriptive analysis of subjects with sex-atypical profile (all females) showed specific personality traits at BFQ associated with gender nonconformity: high emotional instability and low conscientiousness. These results, however, should not be considered indicative of genuine correlations, rather they could represent a starting point for new hypotheses to be tested in future investigations. The same applies to scores at CBCL showing that subjects with sex-atypical profile have a tendency to exhibit aggressive–transgressive behaviours. These reflections lead us consider the advisability for the principal education institutions, school and family, to face the question of sexual education with the necessary serenity and competence, focusing above all on gender and role differences. © 2006 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.