Assignment 1 Journal Review: LGBT Populations And Sexual Ide

Assignment 1 Journal Review Lgbt Populationswhile Sexual Identity I

Assignment 1: Journal Review - LGBT Populations While sexual identity is a very personal aspect of an individual’s life, it also includes social and public aspects as well. It is social in that you generally include your significant other as a participant in social circles with your family, friends, and colleagues. Sexual identity is public in that, during the course of day-to-day life, you present yourself and your significant other to society as a couple or as part of a family unit. These social and public aspects make sexual identity development a unique process for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) individuals. This process is captured in life-span development as the six stages of coming out.

In terms of cognitive, life-span, and moral development, how might theories of development explain the experiences of individuals who might not identify with their social environment in terms of sexuality? As a social worker, how might a better understanding of the developmental experiences of LGBT individuals allow you to help them develop or maintain a strong and positive sense of self? For this assignment, search the Walden Library for an article(s) that addresses theories related to cognitive, lifespan, and moral development for one of the following populations: lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Then think about the potential external and internal developmental or moral struggles facing the population you selected.

Finally, reflect on how your thoughts, biases, and/or experiences might influence your reactions to the article(s) you selected. Your paper should include:

  • An explanation of the population you selected
  • An analysis of the article in terms of theories related to cognitive, lifespan, and moral development for that population
  • An explanation of the developmental or moral challenges facing that population
  • An explanation of how your own thoughts, biases, and/or experiences influence your reaction to the article and population-based research

Paper For Above instruction

The chosen population for this analysis is transgender individuals, a group that faces unique developmental and moral challenges related to their gender identity. Transgender individuals often experience external societal stigma and internal struggles related to gender dysphoria, identity affirmation, and acceptance. Theories of cognitive, lifespan, and moral development provide a framework to understand these experiences.

From a cognitive development perspective, Piaget’s theory explains how children and adolescents develop self-awareness and understanding of gender identity. As individuals progress through developmental stages, their comprehension of gender roles evolves, influencing their self-concept and societal interactions (Piaget, 1952). Lifespan development theories, such as Erik Erikson’s psychosocial stages, emphasize the importance of identity vs. role confusion during adolescence, a critical period for transgender youth who seek to establish a coherent gender identity (Erikson, 1968). Moreover, moral development theories, including those by Kohlberg, suggest that transgender individuals face moral dilemmas about societal acceptance and personal authenticity, impacting their moral reasoning (Kohlberg, 1984).

One of the significant developmental challenges for transgender individuals involves internal conflict stemming from societal rejection, which can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety (Budge et al., 2013). External challenges include discrimination, stigmatization, and barriers to accessing gender-affirming healthcare. These external and internal struggles often impede positive self-development and can delay or hinder the resolution of identity formation stages.

As a social worker, understanding these developmental stages and challenges allows for more empathetic and informed interventions. Recognizing the importance of supporting gender identity development and reducing societal stigma can help bolster the resilience of transgender clients. It is crucial to create affirming environments that validate their experiences and foster self-acceptance. Additionally, knowledge of moral development processes can guide ethical decision-making and advocacy efforts to promote equality and access to necessary resources (Miller, 2001).

My personal biases and experiences influence my reactions to the literature on transgender development. I recognize that societal stereotypes can cloud perceptions of transgender experiences, which underscores the importance of approaching this population with openness and cultural humility. Reflecting on my biases enables me to better support clients by challenging assumptions and fostering a genuine understanding of their unique developmental journeys.

References

  • Budge, S. L., Adelson, J. L., & Howard, K. A. (2013). Anxiety and depression in transgender individuals: The roles of transition status, loss, social support, and coping. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 81(3), 545-557.
  • Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. W. W. Norton & Company.
  • Kohlberg, L. (1984). Essays on moral development: Vol. 2. The psychology of moral development. Harper & Row.
  • Miller, J. (2001). Moral development in children: The nature of morality. Routledge.
  • Piaget, J. (1952). The origins of intelligence in children. International Universities Press.
  • Budge, S. L., Adelson, J. L., & Howard, K. A. (2013). Anxiety and depression in transgender individuals: The roles of transition status, loss, social support, and coping. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 81(3), 545-557.

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