Gender Stereotyping and Trait Perceptions of Gender-Nonconforming Peers Among 8- to 11-Year-Olds

Children often display less positive attitudes toward children whose behavior differs from gender norms, which is concerning given the importance of peer relations in fostering positive mental health among gender-nonconforming youth. Prior research on children's perceptions of gender-nonconforming peers commonly employed peer appraisal measures focused on narrow domains (e.g., friendship preference), whereas perceptions of peers' traits (e.g., smart, nice) provide a broader measure of attitudes. The present study explores the relationship between children's level of gender stereotyping and trait perceptions of hypothetical gender-nonconforming peers. In a sample (N = 186) of 8- to 11-year-old Canadian children, greater gender stereotyping was associated with less positive trait perceptions of gender-nonconforming hypothetical peers. Thus, 8- to 11-year-olds who endorse gender stereotypes are more likely to broadly perceive gender-nonconforming peers less positively. Future intervention work may target gender stereotypes as a means to improve children's attitudes toward peer gender nonconformity.