Julia K Moore1,2, Cati S Thomas1,3, Hans-Willem van Hall1, Penelope Strauss3,4, Liz A Saunders1,5, Melanie Harry1, Simone Mahfouda2,3,6, Sahra J Lawrence1, Florian D Zepf2,3,7, Ashleigh Lin3. 1. The Gender Diversity Service, Child and Adolescent Health Service - Mental Health, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Australia. 2. Centre and Discipline of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Division of Psychiatry and Division of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia. 3. Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia. 4. School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia. 5. The School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sports Science), The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia. 6. School of Psychological Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia. 7. Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A number of psychological assessment tools have been developed to describe various dimensions of gender. Some of these tools are restricted to a binary gender concept and are inflexible in reflecting how a young person's gender may change and develop over time. Most are text questionnaires which require a good level of literacy. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate a newly developed pictorial tool that facilitates a conversation about gender between a child or adolescent (aged 11-18) and their clinician, enabling a diverse understanding and expression of gender identity. METHODS: The Perth Gender Picture (PGP) was co-created between clinicians and young clients between 2016 and 2018. In 2018, the measure was evaluated through a pilot study at the Gender Diversity Service at Perth Children's Hospital in Western Australia. After use of the PGP during a clinical consultation, clients were invited to fill in a feedback questionnaire about their experience of its use. Clinicians participated in unstructured interviews to give their feedback. RESULTS: Most participants rated the PGP as easy to understand, acceptable and useful, and many stated that they found gender easier to describe with the picture rather than words. The results show positive uptake from clients, demonstrating feasible implementation with gender diverse young people. DISCUSSION: This evaluation positions the PGP as a useful tool to facilitate conversations about gender identity between gender diverse children and adolescents and their clinicians, in a nonjudgmental and playful manner. It is well-suited to young people who may have limited literacy or difficulty with complex language. The PGP has potential for use in other age groups and non-clinical contexts.
BACKGROUND: A number of psychological assessment tools have been developed to describe various dimensions of gender. Some of these tools are restricted to a binary gender concept and are inflexible in reflecting how a young person's gender may change and develop over time. Most are text questionnaires which require a good level of literacy. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate a newly developed pictorial tool that facilitates a conversation about gender between a child or adolescent (aged 11-18) and their clinician, enabling a diverse understanding and expression of gender identity. METHODS: The Perth Gender Picture (PGP) was co-created between clinicians and young clients between 2016 and 2018. In 2018, the measure was evaluated through a pilot study at the Gender Diversity Service at Perth Children's Hospital in Western Australia. After use of the PGP during a clinical consultation, clients were invited to fill in a feedback questionnaire about their experience of its use. Clinicians participated in unstructured interviews to give their feedback. RESULTS: Most participants rated the PGP as easy to understand, acceptable and useful, and many stated that they found gender easier to describe with the picture rather than words. The results show positive uptake from clients, demonstrating feasible implementation with gender diverse young people. DISCUSSION: This evaluation positions the PGP as a useful tool to facilitate conversations about gender identity between gender diverse children and adolescents and their clinicians, in a nonjudgmental and playful manner. It is well-suited to young people who may have limited literacy or difficulty with complex language. The PGP has potential for use in other age groups and non-clinical contexts.
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