Gender Identity Disorder and Psychosexual Problems in Children and Adolescents

Rating:
Summary: Sensitive and intelligent work that shouldn't be ignored.
Review: It is a blessing that we live in an age where the subject of gender identity disorder can be discussed in such an intelligent and scholarly manner. It is a blessing because there are many individuals who suffer from said disorder and often go untreated. Those who are unhappy and seeking enlightenment on the topic of gender identity would benefit tremendously from this work, which offers a glimpse of hope in the form of the unbiased compassion of authors Zucker and Bradley. This is not, I repeat not a work to be feared and distrusted. It is a book of hope for many.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent sourcebook for clinicians working with GID issues
Review: This is an excellent sourcebook which makes a valiant attempt to present the related issues in a fair manner. For those of us who encounter GID persons in our work, this piece of scholarship offers some guideposts in an ethically, dilemma-ridden, area of clinical practice. These authors thrust themselves into the thick of it and lay out the facts behind each argument they present. I learned a tremendous amount from reading this book. I disagree with the prior writer who stated that the authors advocate ways of reducing the likelihood of homosexuality as in the opening chapter they cite Freud's admonition to theorists who would only look at homosexuality as the only [] oreintation in need of examination. The tone of the authors reflects their belief that being heterosexual is easier in this culture and that parents usually want what is going to make their childrens' lives easier. This book does not simply accept homophobic hateful "scholarship" as truth, but attempts to maximize the readers access to different ways of understanding the subject topic.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent sourcebook for clinicians working with GID issues
Review: This is an excellent sourcebook which makes a valiant attempt to present the related issues in a fair manner. For those of us who encounter GID persons in our work, this piece of scholarship offers some guideposts in an ethically, dilemma-ridden, area of clinical practice. These authors thrust themselves into the thick of it and lay out the facts behind each argument they present. I learned a tremendous amount from reading this book. I disagree with the prior writer who stated that the authors advocate ways of reducing the likelihood of homosexuality as in the opening chapter they cite Freud's admonition to theorists who would only look at homosexuality as the only [] oreintation in need of examination. The tone of the authors reflects their belief that being heterosexual is easier in this culture and that parents usually want what is going to make their childrens' lives easier. This book does not simply accept homophobic hateful "scholarship" as truth, but attempts to maximize the readers access to different ways of understanding the subject topic.

Rating:
Summary: A Credible and Reliable Reference Source
Review: Written by two world-renowned authorities on childhood gender conflicts, this book is a well-researched reference for counselors, teachers, therapists and other trained professionals whose clients include homosexual adolescents and pre-homosexual children. Though somewhat technical, Zucker and Bradley's work is also recommended to parents and guardians whose children are struggling with gender-related difficulties. The authors provide case studies, a thoughtful discussion of ethical issues, and an exhaustive compilation of clinical and empirical research data.
This book thoroughly investigates why some children, as early as age 2, become unhappy with their biological genders and begin to identify with the opposite sex. If left untreated, these children almost always become gay, lesbian, bisexual or transsexual in later life. Zucker and Bradley suggest a different outcome is possible when appropriate mental health services are provided at an early age. When children are instilled with self-esteem that includes acceptance of their genetic identities, gender conflicts tend to dissipate, the likelihood of future homosexuality diminishes, and the child's overall well-being is enhanced.
Informative and well written, this book deals with a sensitive subject in a fair, balanced, scientifically objective and politically neutral manner. I recommend it to anyone whose policies and choices affect children in general and gender dysphoric children in particular.