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Cognitive ability and cerebral lateralisation in transsexuals
P T Cohen-Kettenis1, S H van Goozen, C D Doorn
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Utrecht University Hospital, The Netherlands. P.T.Cohenkettenis@psych.azu.nl
Psychoneuroendocrinology
|November 5, 1998
Summary
Prenatal hormone exposure may influence cross-gender identity development. Studies show transsexual individuals
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Developmental Psychology
- Gender Studies
Background:
- The role of prenatal sex hormone organization on brain development and its relation to gender identity is not fully understood.
- Existing research on congenital adrenal hyperplasia and typical children suggests a link between prenatal hormonal influences and gender-typical cognitive functioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that prenatal exposure to atypical sex steroid levels influences cross-gender identity.
- To determine if early-onset transsexual individuals perform in accordance with their biological sex or their gender identity.
Main Methods:
- A study was conducted with early-onset, adult male-to-female and female-to-male transsexuals (untreated with hormones).
- Nontranssexual adult females and males served as control groups.
- Performance on various cognitive tests was assessed to compare groups.
Main Results:
- Pronounced gender differences were observed in cognitive performance between control groups.
- Transsexual groups performed in a pattern away from their biological sex, occupying an intermediate position between male and female controls.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest that organizational hormonal influences during prenatal development may play a role in the development of cross-gender identity.
- This research provides empirical evidence supporting the impact of early hormonal exposure on gender identity formation.