The nurse is aware that sexuality is part of growth and development. T

The nurse is aware that sexuality is part of growth and development. The preschooler’s interest in gender sexuality is characterized by an interest in:

1. Exploring his or her own genitalia
2. Learning how and why his or her anatomy differs from other children
3. Playing and developing friendships with children of the opposite sex
4. Spending most of his or her time with the parent of the opposite sex

ANSWER

ANS: 1
The first step of gender identity development occurs as the child becomes aware of the differ-ences of the sexes and perceives that he or she is male or female. This is characterized by an in-terest in his or her genitalia. This is not characteristic of the preschool child. Learning how and why his or her anatomy differs from other children would require a higher level of cognitive abil-ity. Children of this age-group primarily focus on their parents and family, not other children. According to Freud, the preschool child identifies with the parent of the same sex and develops a complementary relationship with the parent of the opposite sex. The preschool child does not spend most of his or her time with the parent of the opposite sex.