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Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale-Gender Spectrum (UGDS-GS)

Assessment name: Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale-Gender Spectrum (UGDS-GS)

Scale overview: The revised UGDS-GS is an 18-item instrument using gender-neutral language. Researchers can use this updated measure with a person of any gender identity and expression.

Authors: Jenifer K. McGuire and others. See McGuire et al. (2020) below.

Response Type: Five-point rating scale of agreement.


Scale items-Examples

1. I prefer to behave like my affirmed gender.

2. Every time someone treats me like my assigned sex I fell hurt.

Psychometric properties

The UGDS-GS was evaluated in three gender groups: cisgender, binary transgender, and nonbinary/genderqueer.

The results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis are included in the article indicating that the current 18-item scale is better than an earlier version. Item means and SDs are in Table 2.


Availability: See Table 1 of McGuire et al. (2020) for a list of the 18 items.

Author contact: jmcguire@umn.edu

References for the scale

1. McGuire, J. K., Berg, D., Catalpa, J. M., Morrow, Q. J., Fish, J. N., Rider, G. N., Steensma, T., Cohen-Kettenis, P. T., & Spencer, K. (2020). Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale–Gender Spectrum (UGDS-GS): Construct validity among transgender, nonbinary, and LGBQ samples. International Journal of Transgender Health, 21(2), 194–208. https://doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2020.1723460

→ This foundational study introduced the UGDS-GS as a gender-neutral adaptation of the original UGDS. It demonstrated strong construct validity across cisgender, binary transgender, and nonbinary groups, supporting its use in diverse populations.

2. Chen, R., Feng, Y., Su, D., Wilson, A., Han, M., & Wang, Y. (2022). Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale–Gender Spectrum in a Chinese population: Scale validation and associations with mental health, self-harm, and suicidality. BJPsych Open, 9(e17), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2022.617

→ This study validated the UGDS-GS in a Chinese sample, confirming its reliability and one-factor structure. It also found significant correlations between gender dysphoria scores and mental health outcomes, including depression and suicidality.

3. Jamneankal, T., Kiatrungrit, K., Arunakul, J., Korpaisarn, S., & Auapisithwong, S. (2023). Validity and reliability of the Thai version of the Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale–Gender Spectrum (UGDS-GS) in Thai youths and young adults with gender dysphoria. General Psychiatry, 36(4), e100980. https://doi.org/10.1136/gpsych-2022-100980

→ This cross-cultural adaptation of the UGDS-GS for Thai populations showed excellent internal consistency (α = .96) and high sensitivity/specificity for detecting gender dysphoria. It supports the scale’s global applicability.

4. Zinnia Jones. (2020, April 30). The classic Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale gets a nonbinary-inclusive update. Gender Analysis. https://genderanalysis.net/2020/04/the-classic-utrecht-gender-dysphoria-scale-gets-a-nonbinary-inclusive-update/

→ This article provides a critical overview of the UGDS-GS’s development and its importance in assessing gender dysphoria beyond binary frameworks. It highlights the scale’s inclusivity and relevance for clinical and community settings.

5. EMERGE Project. (2023). Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale–Gender Spectrum (UGDS-GS). Retrieved from https://emerge.ucsd.edu/r_3etmpkvnvszl1yi/

→ This resource outlines the scale’s items, scoring procedures, and psychometric properties. It emphasizes the UGDS-GS’s utility in research and empowerment contexts across multiple countries and gender identities.

Organizing information from this measure

Data from the UGDS-GS are within the core S - SELF domain in the SCOPES model as a measure of an aspect of identity and is primarily linked to the E (Emotional/Feeling/Affect) domain of functioning. Because the scale relies on self-reported memories, the C (Cognitive) domain is relevant.


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NOTICE:

The information about scales and measures is provided for clinicians and researchers based on professional publications. The links to authors, materials, and references can change. You may be able to locate details by contacting the main author of the original article or another author on the article list.


Post Author


Geoffrey W. Sutton PhD is Emeritus Professor of Psychology who publishes book and articles about clinical and social psychology including the psychology of religion. Website:     www.suttong.com

   

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