Transgender and Gender Diverse Identity Development in Pediatric Populations

Gender identity development is conceptualized as a biopsychosocial process that is influenced by broader historical, social, and cultural contextual factors. This review outlines the current understanding of the biopsychosocial and contextual factors that influence gender identity development in children and adolescents. Developmental milestones for gender identity development in youth are presented, and unique developmental needs for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth are reviewed. This article also reviews emerging areas of relevance for TGD populations, such as detransitioning and transition regret. Clinicians working with TGD populations should aim to develop individualized, evidence-based care plans that flexibly meet each youth's distinct developmental and contextual psychosocial and health care needs.