Gender non-conformity increases kids' risk of abuse
22.05.12
The childhood behaviors were culled from questionnaires completed by a sample of adults ages 17 to 27 of all sexual orientations enrolled in the study. Respondents were asked in 2005 to recall their childhood experiences, including favorite toys and games, whether they took male or female roles in pretend play, and media characters they imitated and admired.
They also were asked about physical, sexual or emotional abuse they experienced and were screened for PTSD in 2007.
The increased risk for non-conforming kids vs. conforming kids was similar in both sexes for physical and psychological abuse. For sexual abuse, non-conforming girls were at 60% greater risk than conforming girls, but non-conforming boys were at nearly three times greater risk compared with conforming boys.
Rates of PTSD were almost twice as high among young adults who were gender non-conforming as kids than among those who were not. PTSD has been linked to risky behavior such as engaging in unprotected sex and to physical symptoms such as cardiovascular problems and chronic pain, according to the study.
Source: USA TODAY