Changes in components of children’s self-reported gender identity over time

In past gender identity research, little attention has been paid to the determinants
of the various dimensions of gender identity (felt pressure for gender differentiation,
gender contentedness, and within-gender typicality). This study examined whether
children’s self-perceptions and social behaviors influence changes in gender identity over time. One hundred and ninety-five fourth- through seventh-graders completed self-report and peer-report questionnaires during the fall and spring of a school year. This study found that both felt pressure for gender differentiation and within-gender typicality are fluid, rather than stable, constructs during childhood. It also found that sex plays a
significant role in not only which constructs influence gender identity, but which
components of gender identity are influenced.