Article Critique: Empathizing and systemazing in Adolescents with Gender Dysphoria
Rationale for the Article
The article “Empathizing and systemazing in Adolescents with Gender Dysphoria” by Di Ceglie et al., was sampled among several other articles. Specifically, the article was preferred due to its relevance to the topic of Gender dysphoria (GD), the topic of interest for the researcher. The researchers wish to study the presentation, impacts possible treatments for the GD disorder. In this regard, the researcher’s initial task was to analyze the previously published studies on the topic so as to develop the research question. However, the analysis was restrained to recently publish primary research that directly examined the presentation or impacts of GD disorder. Based on this criterion, Di Ceglie and other’s article was among the several articles that qualified for the analysis. However, their article was chosen among the others due to its comprehensive examination of the two basic psychological dimensions, namely the empathy and systemizing quotients.
Journal Article Review
1. Background
Several studies have proved the co-occurrence of GD and Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC) (Bockting, 2015). Additionally, studies have demonstrated that empathizing and systemizing are the two major psychological quotients that are unique in people with ASC. For instance, ASC condition is attributed to low scores in empathy quotient (EQ) and a corresponding average or above average in Systemizing average (SQ).
2. Hypothesis
Based on the findings that GD and ASC usual co-occur, Di Ceglie and others hypothesizes that people with GD exhibits similar psychological dimensions as people with ASC. Precisely, their article projects that adolescents with GD will score below average on EQ and averagely or above average in SQ as compared to people with natal gender.
3. Method
Di Ceglie et al. examined the EQ and SQ in adolescents with GD through analyzing the reports given by their parents. They subjected 35 parents of adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years to a comprehensive questionnaire that enabled them gather the relevant information. These parents were attending a Gender Identity Development forum held in London. Additionally, a total of 156 parents of natal gender adolescents were also questioned to serve as a control group.
4. Results
Just as projected, Di Ceglie et al. found a significant low score in GD groups that the typically developing females. However, there was no difference between EQ score for gender dysphoric adolescents and their typically developing male counterpart. Additionally, there was no identifiable difference in the SQ score of GD affected group and the typically developing control group.
- Conclusion
Di Ceglie et al. conclude that gender dysphoric adolescents have lower empathy than their typically developing counterparts do. For this reason, it is necessary for psychologists to focus on improving the group’s communication skills as part of GD disorder intervention.
Constructive Article Critique
- Personal Thoughts
Di Ceglie et al.’s article presents a relevant research that helps is applicable in the development of GD intervention programs. Their findings that gender dysphoric individuals have low empathy advance the present knowledge of the traits of GD affected individuals. Aside from tackling a relevant topic, Di Ceglie et al. presents their article in a scientifically acceptable structure. For instance, their paper is divided into standard research sections, main introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, and conclusion. Additionally, Di Ceglie et al. have used an acceptable and standard English language in their paper. Basic English language with reduced usage of technical jargon makes the article useful to both professionals and laymen.
- Suggestion for Improving the Quality of the Article.
Although Di Ceglie et al.’s article is appropriate; a research of similar magnitude may be improved by using a relatively larger sample. Although a sample of 35 participants is acceptable, using a larger sample can increase the validity of the findings.
References
Bockting, W. (2015). Gender dysphoria. The International Encyclopedia of Human Sexuality. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9781118896877.wbiehs175/full
Di Ceglie, D., Skagerberg, E., Baron-Cohen, S., & Auyeung, B. (2014). Empathizing and systemizing in adolescents with gender dysphoria. Opticon1826, (16), Art-6. http://www.opticon1826.com/article/view/opt.bo/300