Overview of the Book
Title: Gender Dysphoria in Children and Young People: Collected Papers on the Psychology, Sociology and Ethics of Gender Transition
Author: Dr. Dianna T. Kenny, PhD — a Professor of Psychology (formerly at the University of Sydney), clinician, psychotherapist, and expert in child and adolescent mental health.
Publication Date: February 28, 2020
Publisher: Scholars’ Press
Key Themes:
- Critiques of what Dr. Kenny describes as the ideological framing of transgender politics.
- Discussions on gender development in children.
- Analysis of the safety of medical treatments (like social transition, blockers, hormones, surgery).
- Examination of social contagion, the role of the internet, and peer influence in rising numbers of gender dysphoria diagnoses.
- Reflections on decision-making processes and implications for female sports participation, among other ethical concerns.
Summary
In Gender Dysphoria in Children and Young People, psychologist Dr. Dianna T. Kenny compiles her research and clinical reflections, critically examining the widespread adoption of gender affirmation treatment—including social transition, blockers, hormones, and surgery—as applied to children and adolescents. She raises concerns about the ideological framing of transgender politics, the safety and ethics of medical interventions, and the accelerating influence of peer dynamics and the internet in shaping gender identity phenomena.