Gender and Identity Development

Gender identity constructs and processes have long been a part of psychological research, particularly once gender became more salient as a topic of study in the field during the 1970s. This chapter traces how gender and gender identity have been investigated in the mental health literature. For example, the study of presumed gender traits, such as femininity/masculinity/androgyny or instrumentality/expressiveness, have been a part of this research. Moreover, research investigating how individuals define themselves as gendered beings within a sociopolitical context will be described. Feminist as well as womanist identity models for women will be presented. Regarding men’s identities, men’s identity development models as well as gender role strain, gender role conflict, and masculine ideology will be presented. The nascent literature on identity development for TGNC individuals will be described as well.