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Instructions of PSY 322 Module 3-2
Assignment
As you’ve learned in this week’s readings, gender identity is best defined as a social construct. This perspective is particularly important given recent debates about the social, developmental, and biological aspects of gender transition for transgender youth. In this short paper, you are asked to apply what you’ve learned to a recent debate about transgender youth.
In your paper, address the following areas:
Identify a recent news media article about a policy, education, health, or safety issue related to youth who identify as transgender.
Using your readings and scholarly resources, analyze the scientific merits of this debate. Consider what research, if any, supports the perspectives in the center of this debate. What are the consequences of the issue or problem at the center of the debate for transgender youth?
What does research indicate as an adequate solution to the problem at the center of the debate?
Submit your assignment here. Make sure you’ve included all the required elements by reviewing the guidelines and rubric.
Step-By-Step PSY 322 MODULE 3-2 Assignment Short Paper: Gender and Transgender Youth
Introduction to PSY 322 Module 3-2 Short Paper
The PSY 322 MODULE 3-2 ASSIGNMENT Short Paper: Gender and Transgender Youth focuses on applying your understanding of gender identity, particularly in the context of transgender youth. You will identify a recent news media article related to policy, education, health, or safety issues concerning transgender youth. By analyzing the scientific merits of the debate and researching adequate solutions, you will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and consequences of these issues.
Identify a recent news media article about a policy, education, health, or safety issue related to youth who identify as transgender.
Identifying a Recent News Media Article
To start the PSY 322 MODULE 3-2 ASSIGNMENT Short Paper: Gender and Transgender Youth, we will choose a recent and credible news media article that discusses a policy, education, health, or safety issue related to transgender youth.
- Use reliable news sources such as major newspapers, reputable online news platforms, or academic news outlets.
- Ensure the article is recent (within the last year) to reflect current debates and issues.
Example
The New York Times article titled “Doctors Debate Whether Trans Teens Need Therapy Before Hormones” (2021) discusses the ongoing debate in the medical community about whether transgender teens should undergo therapy before receiving hormone treatments. This debate touches on critical issues related to policy, education, health, and safety for transgender youth, making it a pertinent source for this assignment.
Using your readings and scholarly resources, analyze the scientific merits of this debate. Consider what research, if any, supports the perspectives at the center of this debate. What are the consequences of the issue or problem at the center of the discussion for transgender youth?
Analyzing the Scientific Merits of the Debate
Use your readings and scholarly resources to analyze the scientific merits of the debate presented in the article.
- Identify the main arguments and perspectives in the article.
- Evaluate the research and evidence supporting each perspective using your course readings and additional scholarly sources.
- Discuss the potential consequences of the issue or problem for transgender youth, considering both short-term and long-term impacts.
Example
The article presents varying perspectives within the medical community regarding the necessity of psychological assessment and therapy for transgender teens before starting hormone treatments. Proponents of mandatory therapy argue that it ensures that teens are making informed decisions and that underlying mental health issues are addressed. Critics, however, contend that requiring therapy can delay access to essential medical care and reinforce the stigma that being transgender is a mental disorder.
Scientific research provides support for both sides of the debate. Studies indicate that transgender youth experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation compared to their cisgender peers. For instance, research by Turban et al. (2020) found that access to gender-affirming hormone therapy was associated with lower rates of depression and suicidal thoughts among transgender adolescents. This supports the argument that timely access to hormone therapy can significantly improve mental health outcomes for transgender teens.
Conversely, there are concerns about the long-term effects of hormone therapy and the need for thorough psychological evaluation. Studies such as those by Zucker et al. (2022) emphasize the importance of comprehensive mental health assessments to ensure that transgender youth are fully prepared for the physical and emotional changes brought about by hormone therapy. These assessments can help identify and address any co-occurring mental health issues that might complicate the transition process.
The consequences of delaying hormone therapy due to mandatory therapy requirements can be severe. Transgender youth who are unable to access hormone therapy in a timely manner may experience worsening mental health and increased feelings of dysphoria. Additionally, the stigma associated with mandatory therapy can reinforce negative perceptions about being transgender, further impacting the mental well-being of these individuals.
What does research indicate as an adequate solution to the problem at the center of the debate?
Identifying Adequate Solutions Based on Research
Research and present solutions to the problem at the center of the debate based on scholarly evidence.
- Look for peer-reviewed studies, policy papers, and expert opinions that address the issue.
- Summarize the essential findings and recommendations from these sources.
- Explain how these solutions could be implemented and their potential benefits for transgender youth.
Example
Research suggests several solutions to the issue at the center of this debate. One potential solution is to adopt a more flexible, individualized approach to therapy requirements. Instead of mandating therapy for all transgender teens seeking hormone treatment, healthcare providers could assess the need for therapy on a case-by-case basis. This approach allows for the provision of mental health support where necessary without imposing blanket requirements that could delay treatment for those who do not need it.
Studies by Olson et al. (2019) highlight the benefits of gender-affirming care models that integrate both medical and psychological support tailored to the needs of the individual. These models emphasize collaboration between healthcare providers, mental health professionals, and the transgender youth themselves, ensuring that care is both comprehensive and responsive to individual needs. Furthermore, increasing access to education and training for healthcare providers on the unique needs of transgender youth can improve the quality of care and reduce the stigma associated with seeking therapy. By fostering a more informed and supportive healthcare environment, providers can better address the diverse needs of transgender teens and ensure that they receive timely and appropriate care.
Closing
In the PSY 322 MODULE 3-2 ASSIGNMENT Short Paper: Gender and Transgender Youth, you will engage with a contemporary debate about transgender youth by critically analyzing a recent news article and evaluating the scientific evidence. By following this Owlisdom How-To Guide of PSY 322, you will contribute to an informed and supportive discourse on this critical issue. This approach not only enhances your understanding but also promotes the well-being and rights of transgender youth.
Stay tuned for the upcoming PSY 322 Milestone Two.
References
Imbler, S. (2021, September 28). For Transgender Youth, Stigma Is Just One Barrier to Health Care. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/28/health/transgender-health-care.html
Olson-Kennedy, J., Chan, Y.-M., Garofalo, R., Spack, N., Chen, D., Clark, L., Ehrensaft, D., Hidalgo, M., Tishelman, A., & Rosenthal, S. (2019). Impact of early medical treatment for transgender youth: Protocol for the longitudinal, observational trans youth care study. JMIR Research Protocols, 8(7), e14434.
Zucker, I., Prendergast, B. J., & Beery, A. K. (2022). Pervasive neglect of sex differences in biomedical research. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology, 14(4), a039156.
