Psychological Condition That Is Increasingly

¶ … psychological condition that is increasingly being brought to the forefront is: gender dysphoria. This is when someone believes that they have been placed in body of the wrong sex. Where, the individual will have feelings and emotions similar to the opposite sex. As these feelings and emotions become stronger, some will often have sex change operations performed or will begin to dress like the intended sex. This has created a number of different issues, with those people suffering from these conditions, seeking out ways to help fill the obvious conflict that they are going through. In the article, He? She? Whatever!, the author examines the effect that is occurring at a California high school. Where, a beloved teacher and football coach, announced that he would be undergoing a sex change operation (Dana Rivers). A part of preparing for this procedure was undergoing hormone treatment and starting to dress like a woman (in advance of the operation). At first, the school district accepted the teacher's decision, provided that they do not talk to students about what is happening and do not discuss what is happening in public. The teacher violated this agreement, by discussing the issue with several students and giving a detailed interview to the school newspaper. As a result, the teacher was subsequently placed on leave of absence pending an appeal hearing. This is significant, because it show how this condition is affecting a wide variety of individuals. To fully understand the impact that this condition would have on the individual and the community requires: examining the author's major themes, how these views are relevant to the study of Abnormal Psychology, how this is related to other ideas on the subject, an examination of how the article would have an impact on previous ideas and the implications drawn by the author. Together, these different elements will provide the greatest insights, as to how this psychological condition needs to be addressed in the future. (Hornbl, 1999)

Major Themes

In the article, the author discusses how there have been other teachers in schools districts in California, who have had sex change operations. The differences are: they followed a policy of maintaining a low profile and slowly integrating them into the environment. In this situation, the students love Rivers and want to understand why he is engaging in these actions. This is important, because it highlights a major theme, where the students need answers, but the way Rivers handled it is causing the liabilities and publicity to increase. (Hornbl, 1999)

How this view is relevant to the study of Abnormal Psychology?

This view is relevant to the study of Abnormal Psychology, because it shows the underlying levels of conflict that Rivers was going through. As he had to wrestle with not only gender, but also the psychological impact that this would have upon: the individual, students and parents. In many ways, one could infer that the decision to speak to the students about: what transpired and to give an interview to the school newspaper, are ways of highlighting these deep psychological issues that need to be addressed. As a result, this condition more than likely, led to other emotions and ailments that Rivers would suffer from in making his decision. (Hornbl, 1999)

How this related to other ideas on the subject?

When you look at other ideas on the subject, it is clear that those people who are suffering from gender dysphoria, have other conditions that are affecting them as well. Where, psychologist Richard Carroll has identified a number of issues that need to be examined when someone suffers from these conditions. To include: helping patients understand themselves, letting them know what options they have available, looking for other conditions they could suffer from and establishing life goals. This is significant, because this information can be used to show how the school handled the situation wrong. Where, if Rivers was sent to counseling once he expressed these intentions, the odds would have declined dramatically that he would violate the wishes of the school board. As the counseling, would address the underlying psychological decisions that were pushing him to make this change. (Lieblum, 2007, pp. 477 -- 479)

How the article is having an impact on previous ideas?

The article is having an impact on previous ideas, by showing how an approach that requires the individual to seek out psychological counseling, would allow them to address underlying psychological issues. In many ways, one could infer that the strategy being utilized by the school; leaves both students and Rivers facing a number of issues, as they are discouraged about what is happening. If Rivers had been sent to counseling after such an announcement, these effects could have been severely mitigated. This is important, because it shows how the way the issue is handled, will determine how the staff and students adjust to what is taking place.

The implications drawn by the author

The implications that are being drawn by the author, shows how this condition will have an impact upon the way school districts around the country, deal with similar situations. Where, the outcome of the case will set the example as to how: how free speech, due process of law and parental rights are interpreted. As a result, the actions that school board has taken will play a critical role in determining how this issue continues to evolve.