Is Gender Identity Disorder in Children a Mental Disorder?

Sex Roles: A Journal of Research,  Dec, 2000  by Nancy H. Bartlett,  Paul L. Vasey,  William M. Bukowski

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Several researchers have reported a number of characteristics typical of children who experience peer victimization. In general, victims, particularly boys, tend to be physically weaker than their peers, poor at sports, and afraid of getting hurt (Boulton & Smith, 1994; Lagerspetz, Bjorkqvist, Berts, & King, 1982; Olweus, 1993). Both male and female victims tend to be anxious, sensitive, withdrawn, and are often unhappy or depressed (Boivin, Hymel, & Bukowski, 1995; Craig, 1996; Olweus, 1993; Slee, 1995). Interestingly, this characterization of a typical victim is similar to that of a child with GID. Children, particularly boys, with GID, tend to be less athletically competent than their peers, and are often afraid of being hurt, therefore avoiding rough and tumble play (Bates, Bentler, & Thompson, 1979; Green, 1976; Zucker, 1990). Additionally, as will be discussed, they may display internalizing problems, such as anxiety and depressive symptomatology (Coates & Person, 1985; Zucker, Bradley, & Lowry Sullivan, 1996).

The overall characterization of children with GID seems, then, with the exception of the gender identity issue itself, to be strikingly consistent with the profile of other children who experience peer rejection and victimization. It would be of empirical interest to determine the extent to which children with GID experience victimization compared to children who are victimized because of other types of "nonconformity." Research has shown that, in general, children's nonconformity to group norms is associated with peer rejection (Boivin, Dodge, & Coie, 1995; Wright, Giammarino, & Parad, 1986). Some types of nonconformity also appear to be associated with victimization by peers. Higher than usual rates of victimization have been found among children who, compared to controls, are considered less attractive, have more odd mannerisms (Lowenstein, 1978), and higher body weight (Lagerspetz et al., 1982; Williams, 1999), as well as those who have learning difficulties (Andison & LeMare, 1999; Martlew & Hodson, 1991; Thompson, Whitney, & Smith, 1994) and physical disabilities (Lowenstein, 1978; Yude, Goodman, & McConachie, 1998). Thus, it appears that, like children with GID, children who possess other non-"normative" characteristics can experience a heightened level of peer victimization. There is little question that gender nonconformity is associated with peer group difficulties in child hood. It is uncertain, though, whether the difficulties are any greater than are those of other children who stand out as "different."