Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

A teenage boy expresses feeling that he is born in the wrong skin. What is he exploring?

1. Sexual orientation

2. Sexual identity

3. Gender identity

4. Gender orientation

The correct answer is: Gender identity

The teenage boy expressing feelings that he is "born in the wrong skin" is exploring gender identity. This phrase suggests that he is questioning or struggling with the gender he was assigned at birth and feels a disconnect between his physical appearance and his internal sense of self. Gender identity refers to an individual’s personal understanding and experience of their gender, which may or may not align with societal expectations based on their biological sex. This exploration is crucial during adolescence—a developmental stage characterized by a search for identity and self-understanding. It is common for individuals at this age to examine aspects of their identity, including gender. Acknowledging these feelings is a significant step for many teenagers, as it can lead to self-acceptance and a healthier understanding of their place in the world. The other choices, while related to identity and orientation, do not encapsulate the essence of the boy's statement as accurately. Sexual orientation concerns whom a person is attracted to, sexual identity encompasses broader social and contextual aspects of sexual behavior, and gender orientation is not a commonly utilized term in discussions around gender issues. Thus, the focus on gender identity directly addresses the boy's feelings of misalignment with his gender.