This is a continuation of a systematic study of the behavioral effects of early exposure to excess androgens in individuals with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Previous results suggest that early androgens do affect aspects of sex-typed behavior, and it is appropriate to study in detail the nature and extent of these effects. The purpose of the proposed project is to examine: (a) behaviors that have been under- studied with respect to effects of early hormones, including those that are more common or higher in females than in males; (b) the relation between hormonally-influenced childhood play behavior and adolescent/young adult cognitive abilities and sexual orientation; (c) psychosexual development and psychological adjustment in relation to early hormones and disease characteristics, especially genital anomalies and surgery in CAH females; (d) the relative importance of prenatal versus postnatal androgens in behavioral masculinization and defeminization. Adolescent and young adults ages 9-25) with CAH--84 females and 70 males-- and their unaffected siblings--65 females and 88 males--will be assessed on sex-typed activities and interests, gender identity, cognitive abilities (spatial and mechanical abilities, verbal memory, and decoding of emotions), emotional adjustment, and, in females aged 16 and older, sexual interests and experiences. About 60% have participated in the study since childhood, so childhood behavior can be related to current behavior. A small group of CAH girls aged 3-8 who received prenatal glucocorticoid treatment who have already been tested. Results of this study will provide information about the development of basic aspects of identity, and the nature and extent of hormonal influences on important human behaviors associated with mental health and social success. Data about psychological outcome will contribute to current debates about the need for early surgical intervention and prenatal treatment of girls with CAH. These issues are increasingly important because many cases of CAH are now identified through newborn screening.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01HD019644-12A1
Application #
2857415
Study Section
Behavioral Medicine Study Section (BEM)
Program Officer
Freund, Lisa S
Project Start
1985-04-01
Project End
2003-06-30
Budget Start
1999-07-01
Budget End
2000-06-30
Support Year
12
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
939007555
City
Carbondale
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
62901
Berenbaum, Sheri A (2018) Beyond Pink and Blue: The Complexity of Early Androgen Effects on Gender Development. Child Dev Perspect 12:58-64
Berenbaum, Sheri A; Beltz, Adriene M (2016) How Early Hormones Shape Gender Development. Curr Opin Behav Sci 7:53-60
DiDonato, Matthew D; Berenbaum, Sheri A (2013) Predictors and consequences of gender typicality: the mediating role of communality. Arch Sex Behav 42:429-36
Berenbaum, Sheri A; Bryk, Kristina L Korman; Beltz, Adriene M (2012) Early androgen effects on spatial and mechanical abilities: evidence from congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Behav Neurosci 126:86-96
Beltz, Adriene M; Swanson, Jane L; Berenbaum, Sheri A (2011) Gendered occupational interests: prenatal androgen effects on psychological orientation to Things versus People. Horm Behav 60:313-7
DiDonato, Matthew D; Berenbaum, Sheri A (2011) The benefits and drawbacks of gender typing: how different dimensions are related to psychological adjustment. Arch Sex Behav 40:457-63
Berenbaum, Sheri A; Bryk, Kristina Korman; Duck, Stephen C (2010) Normal intelligence in female and male patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Int J Pediatr Endocrinol 2010:853103
Cohen-Bendahan, Celina C C; van de Beek, Cornelieke; Berenbaum, Sheri A (2005) Prenatal sex hormone effects on child and adult sex-typed behavior: methods and findings. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 29:353-84
Berenbaum, Sheri A; Korman Bryk, Kristina; Duck, Stephen C et al. (2004) Psychological adjustment in children and adults with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. J Pediatr 144:741-6
Berenbaum, Sheri A; Bailey, J Michael (2003) Effects on gender identity of prenatal androgens and genital appearance: evidence from girls with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 88:1102-6

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