Childhood Gender Nonconformity - Report Biases in Retrospective Studies

Report Biases in Retrospective Studies

Although childhood gender nonconformity has been correlated to sexual orientation in adulthood, there may be a reporting bias that has influenced the results. Many of the studies on the link between CGN and sexual orientation are conducted retrospectively, meaning that adults are asked to reflect on their behaviours as children. Adults will often reinterpret their childhood behaviours in terms of their present conceptualizations of their gender identity and sexual orientation. Gay men and lesbian women who endorsed a biological perspective on gender and sexual orientation tended to report more instances of childhood gender nonconformity and explain these behaviours as early genetic or biological manifestations of their sexual orientation. Lesbian women who endorse a social constructionist perspective on gender identity often interpret their childhood GNC as an awareness of patriarchal norms and rejection of gender roles. Heterosexual men are more likely to downplay GNC, attributing their behaviours to being sensitive or artistic. Retrospective reinterpretation does not invalidate studies linking GNC and sexual orientation, but we need to be aware of how present conceptualization of gender identity and sexual orientation can effect perceptions of childhood.