What is gender identity?
Gender identity refers to how individuals perceive themselves and their own gender. It can be fluid or fixed, but it is an innate part of who they are. Gender identity has been studied for decades, but there is still much unknown about its causes and effects on behavior. For many people, their gender identity does not match up with the sex assigned at birth based on physical characteristics like chromosomes, genitals, or secondary sex characteristics like breasts and facial hair.
Misgendering
Misgendering occurs when someone refers to another person using a pronoun that does not correctly reflect their gender identity. This could include using 'he' instead of 'she' or vice versa, referring to them with a neutral term like 'they', or using incorrect terms like 'ze'. It can occur intentionally as a form of harassment or unintentionally due to lack of awareness or confusion.
Impact on mental health
Repeated misgendering can have significant negative impacts on mental health, especially in children and adolescents whose gender identity may already be developing. Studies show that experiencing discrimination related to one's gender identity increases feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation, which can lead to increased rates of suicidal ideation.
Cognitive functioning
In addition to emotional distress, repeated misgendering can also affect cognitive functioning. Research suggests that being constantly reminded of one's marginalized status can increase stress levels, causing individuals to experience difficulties concentrating, making decisions, and regulating emotions.
Addressing the issue of misgendering requires education and understanding. Individuals who are misgendered should feel empowered to speak up for themselves and correct others if necessary. Awareness campaigns and sensitivity training can help educate those who might not know how to properly respect people's gender identities. By recognizing the detrimental effects of misgendering, we can work towards creating a more inclusive society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
How does repeated misgendering impact mental health and cognitive functioning?
Repeated misgendering can have significant negative effects on both mental health and cognitive functioning. Studies show that experiencing gender dysphoria and being repeatedly misgendered can cause increased anxiety, depression, and stress levels (Baker et al. , 2016). This may lead to symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, poor memory recall, and decreased motivation, which can impair overall cognitive performance.