Determining Multidimensional Gender: Development and Psychometrics of a Measurement Instrument

Gender identity is often thought of only as a binary construct, masculine and feminine, despite the fact that there are many people who do not see themselves as fitting this dichotomy (Rochman, 2006). Within the counseling field, it is likely that every counselor will eventually see someone who will be struggling with issues of gender identity (Ehrensaft, 2011). The introduction of the Arkansas Multidimensional Gender Scale (AMGS) will show there is a much broader scope of gender identity, more in line with the idea that all gender identities are normal and that there are as many gender identities as there are people that exist (Nucciteli, n.d., Phillips & Stewart, 2008). The AMGS will show which of the 8 major categories a person falls into with room to move among those varying gender categories, thereby expanding the binary system to a multidimensional construct that takes into account genetics, biology, emotional, and mental aspects of gender identity (Calhoun, 2001). Two hundred and thirty-seven complete assessments were received as part of the validation of this tool. Data analysis of the AMGS shows that this instrument has moderate internal consistency with sufficient variability to find overall cutoff scores for the assessment. Three factors were found as hypothesized by the writer but they did not break into the three scales surmised by the researcher. The AMGS does not display convergent validity with the Bem Sex-Roles Inventory (BSRI) as hypothesized by the author but does show discriminant validity with the Functions of Identity Scale (FIS). Discussion of each of the specific research questions provides details of the positives and negatives of each data analysis. Limitations of the research design are presented as well as implications for counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other helping professionals. This dissertation is approved for recommendation to the Graduate Council Dissertation Director: _______________________________________ Dr. Kristin Higgins Dissertation Committee: _______________________________________ Dr. Roy Farley _______________________________________ Dr. Mike Miller _______________________________________ Dr. Jacquelyn Wiersma DISSERTATION DUPLICATION RELEASE I hereby authorize the University of Arkansas Libraries to duplicate this dissertation when needed for research and/or scholarship. Agreed __________________________________________ Karyl Lounsbery Refused __________________________________________ Karyl Lounsbery ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to acknowledge all those that have assisted me throughout my journey to a doctorate degree. First, I’d like to thank Dr. Kristin Higgins, my dissertation committee chairperson for all of her support, comments, suggestions, and answers to my endless questions. I’d like to thank the rest of my committee members, Dr. Roy Farley, Dr. Michael Miller, and Dr. Jackie Wiersma for their tireless energy on reading my drafts, their suggestions and feedback, and for supporting me during this long process. To all of them, I owe my utmost respect and gratitude. I would also like to acknowledge and thank my cohorts in crime in the GA office, Dr. Betsy Nesbit, Dr. Bea Keller-Dupree, and Dr. Kelly Dunbar. Without these three lovely ladies, I would have never finished school, let alone this dissertation. Without your kind words, your listening ears, and your willingness to see me through some difficult personal and educational times, I wouldn’t be here today. I miss all those hours laughing and crying in the GA office as we all led our lives, loved, lost, toiled, and succeeded. To Jerry Leach, thanks for providing me a place to live when my world fell apart and I was facing living in my car. I appreciate the support in helping me get my life together to finish this degree and to live life to the fullest. My thanks to Kelli Langan-Blackford who was my SAS go to gal whenever I got stuck on writing my code. Thanks for helping me find those pesky errors! To Dr. Dianna L. Knox, who encouraged me to make the most of myself. It took me fifteen years, but I did it, Di Lady! Finally, to my parents for loving me despite the difficulties we have had and the chasm we struggle to cross. We close this gap a little more each day.