Development of gender identity in female adolescents: Self-esteem and degree of satisfaction with their physique

The purpose of the present study were to devise a measure of gender identity, to investigate the development of gender identity in female adolescents, and to examine the relation of gender identity to self-esteem and satisfaction with one's physique. A questionnaire on gender identity, self-esteem, and degree of satisfaction with one's physique was given to 701 female junior high, senior high, and university students. The results were as follows : (1) Gender identity was composed of reliance on the father, identification with the mother. gender stereotypes, confusion about sexual maturity, and resistance to the female gender. (2) The measure of gender identity showed developmental change : it was lower in the older junior high school students than in younger ones, and higher in the senior high school and university students. (3) The study participants reported a crisis of gender identity regarding their physique in early adolescence. (4) The students' self-esteem was related to recognition of their parents' good relationship, and their reliance on and respect for their father for producing such a relationship. It was suggested that fathers have considerable influence in the relationship of gender identity to eating disorders. The reliability, construct validity, and criterion-related validity of the Gender Identity Inventory for Females (GIIF) have been verified.