A young father is very concerned because his 4-year-old son "enjoys playing girls' games more than with boys' toys." He wants to know if his son is gay or mentally ill.Which response most professionally describes our current understanding of gender identity?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The father's inquiry is really two questions: (1)whether the child's behavior suggests an increased risk of developing mental illness and (2)what the child's future sexual preference will be.The psychiatric disorder that most directly addresses gender preferences and cross-gender activities is gender identity disorder.Pointing out that cross-gender activities are not necessarily related to gender identity and not likely to be carried into adulthood is supported by current research.Saying the child will grow up to be "normal" or "fine" implies that to be homosexual is to be abnormal,which reflects a cultural perspective that most professionals would believe to be inappropriate to share in a professional setting.Research does provide information about the relationship between cross-gender interests in childhood versus adulthood,so a comment that "research is incomplete" is not entirely accurate.Stating that the child is a wonderful boy the father will be proud of,whatever happens,evades the father's question and suggests that parental bonds should not be affected by gender issues.The nurse has a professional obligation to maintain an objective,therapeutic relationship.

A Young Father Is Very Concerned Because His 4-Year-Old Son