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Updated: Sep 17, 2025
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Published on: January 10, 2025
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Is there a biological component in gender identity?
Natalia S Fernández1, Rosa Fernández2, Marcelino Gómez-Balaguer3
1Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
Anales De Pediatria
|July 3, 2025
Summary
Gender identity is a complex trait influenced by multiple factors, including genetics. Research shows significant overlap in neuroanatomy across gender identities, meaning biological markers cannot predict an individual
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychology
Background:
- Gender identity is an individual's internal sense of self, which may or may not align with sex assigned at birth.
- Transgender individuals face significant challenges, increasing their risk for mood disorders and self-harm.
- Understanding biological influences on gender identity can help reduce stigma against gender minorities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize the scientific evidence on the biological basis of gender identity.
- To identify the limitations of current research in this field.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- The review focused on available scientific literature concerning the biological underpinnings of gender identity.
Main Results:
- Gender identity is a multifactorial trait with a heritable component.
- Neuroanatomical studies reveal high variability and overlap in brain characteristics across different gender identities.
- Current genetic and neuroanatomical data cannot predict or identify an individual's gender identity.
Conclusions:
- The diversity of gender identities may be an extension of the variation inherent in sexual reproduction.
- Biological factors contribute to the spectrum of gender identities, highlighting its natural variation.
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