Conflict and compromise in gender identity formation - A longitudinal study

The aims of this paper are twofold. The first aim is to show the complexity of the determinants leading to gender identity formation via the longitudi nal study of one female research subject over 33 years. Focus is on the ori gins, meanings and functions of masculine character traits accrued at each ph(LSP Of development. The second aim is to show that character formation b egins early in the second year of life and that early patterns have a certa in continuity with adult character despite reorganizations of the ocdipal p hase and subsequent contributions from each phase of development. Discussio n focuses on the complicated nature of female gender identity formation.