Study Reveals Most Gender-Confused Kids Simply ‘Grow Out of It’

A groundbreaking 15-year study conducted in the Netherlands has confirmed that a significant majority of children experiencing gender confusion ultimately outgrow these feelings if left untreated.

The research, tracking over 2,700 children from ages 11 to their mid-twenties, found that while around 11% of participants initially expressed gender non-contentedness, only 4% continued to experience such feelings by age 25.

Published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, the study emphasized the normalcy of questioning one’s identity during adolescence. Lead researcher Dr. Thomas Steensma from the University of Groningen highlighted that gender non-contentedness tends to decrease with age and is often associated with poorer mental health and self-concept.

Contrary to aggressive pushes for early medical interventions promoted by some, including the Biden administration, experts caution against hasty measures. Patrick Brown from the Ethics and Public Policy Center warned against rushing towards permanent surgeries or hormone therapies for teenagers grappling with their identities. More from the study [via Daily Mail]:

The researchers concluded: ‘The results of the current study might help adolescents to realize that it is normal to have some doubts about one’s identity and one’s gender identity during this age period and that this is also relatively common.’

. . .

It comes amid a massive boom in transgender children receiving drugs to change their gender in the US – as critics say doctors and parents are not challenging young people enough.

Patrick Brown, a fellow at the conservative Ethics and Public Policy Center who was not involved in the research, told DailyMail.com: ‘This study provides even more reason to be skeptical towards aggressive steps to facilitate gender transition in childhood and adolescence.

‘The fact that rates of satisfaction are lower even just a few years later suggests that for the vast majority of people, prudence and caution, rather than a rush towards permanent surgeries or hormone therapies, will be the best approach for teenagers struggling to make sense of the world and their place in it.

The study also challenges the narrative perpetuated by transgender activists, who advocate for aggressive medical interventions, including surgical mutilations, from an early age. Dr. Jay Richards from the Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Life, Religion, and Family pointed out that the vast majority of gender-dysphoric children ultimately “desist” during puberty, with up to 98% of boys and 88% of girls resolving their distress.

Despite growing awareness of these findings, the proliferation of transgender ideology continues to impact policy decisions. The Biden administration’s promotion of transgender rights has led to a surge in diagnoses and treatments for gender dysphoria among children.