Photo: AACBT NSW Event 20 March "clinical practice with contemporary gender diverse youth" 

Understanding gender diversity has become increasingly important for clinical psychologists in Australia, who are likely to encounter clients who identify as gender diverse or present with gender dysphoria.

Dr James Morandini, principal of King Street Psychology Clinic, presented on "Clinical practice with contemporary gender diverse youth" for AACBT NSW on 20 March. James kindly agreed to share his interesting presentation with his fellow ACPA members. To access his presentation, please click HERE.

An active researcher, James’s latest study examined the mental health status of gender variant children who had socially transitioned, versus those living in their birth-assigned gender. The authors did not find differences between the two groups, but recognised that the cross-sectional design of the study may limit its strength. One clinical implication the authors draw from these data is that social gender transition alone, at least in the short term, may not be a complete answer to the mental health struggles of young people with gender dysphoria.

Morandini, J.S., Kelly, A., de Graaf, N.M. et al. Is Social Gender Transition Associated with Mental Health Status in Children and Adolescents with Gender Dysphoria?. Arch Sex Behav (2023).