The hallmarks of adolescence – mood swings, confusing physical changes, and shifting social norms – can sometimes lead to alienation or even bullying for some kids. In a culture that tends to identify people as either ‘male’ or ‘female,’ this transitional time can be even more difficult for young people who have questions about their gender identity.
UVM medical student Erica Marden ’16. (Photo: COM Design & Photography)
The hallmarks of adolescence – mood swings, confusing physical changes, and shifting social norms – can sometimes lead to alienation or even bullying for some kids. In a culture that tends to identify people as either ‘male’ or ‘female,’ this transitional time can be even more difficult for young people who have questions about their gender identity.
For her fourth-year scholarly project with mentor Eileen ChichoskiKelly, Ph.D., University of Vermont medical student Erica Marden ’16 has created a resource for these adolescents to turn to – a “primer on navigating gender identity, puberty and relationships” that addresses health and sexuality topics in a way that does not assume the binary male/female.
“Puberty is difficult for any adolescent, let alone when your sex assigned at birth and your gender identity don’t match,” she says.
The booklet, geared towards a fourth- to sixth-grade audience, talks about biological sex, gender identity, and gender expression, acknowledging the fluidity between them. It also addresses topics related to relationships and sexuality, safety and health, and puberty, and includes checklists for substance abuse and depression. Stories from other teens and pre-teens, curated from a variety of resources, bring comforting first-hand perspectives to these sometimes difficult topics.
The primer is now being reviewed by area pediatricians and youth in the targeted age bracket for feedback on readability and usefulness. Marden presented her research at the recent Association of American Medical Colleges’ Northeast Group on Educational Affairs meeting, receiving positive comments and much interest. She’s going on to a combined adult/child psychiatry residency at UVM Medical Center and plans to continue her work in this area.
“We’ve created a resource for any child to get information in a safe, effective, and age-appropriate way,” she says. “We wanted to teach kids at a young age how important it is to be open-minded.”