So, who has taken the COGIATI Test?

[cindybc]

I said yes to all those things. I have always been a touchy feely person, well at least I have felt more comfortable being touchy feely since I transitioned, and yes  I love hugs, can't get enough of them and when I get hugged I feel I deserve it.

I will also give my shoulder for anyone to cry or lean on, I don't mind a welt top. That is just me being me in real life out there and here on the board as well. I love science, astronomy, archeology, physics, metaphysics, quantum physics but  not so big on math. and I also love writing poetry and prose. I said yes to all those things.

Maybe I am old fashioned and stereotype but then who gives a crap. I adored my mom and it turns out I have more of her traits then anyone else in the family. My mom wasn't born yesterday either. She didn't say much about me, she loved me and we were close, Of course she knew and just never said much about it. Back then she wouldn't have known what to do about it anyway.

My only desire is to be able to reach out and touch people like she did, then I am that much the richer in spirit for doing so. To a greater extent I do follow in her footsteps and i have found it rewarding to the heart to be kind and supportive to others. But then that's my opinion only.

Cindy   

[Jeneva]

well at least I have felt more comfortable being touchy feely since I transitioned

Ah, but here is the problem, the test is geared toward pre-transition people.  Does that then mean that even you would have been told you weren't if you took it before?  Obviously you are thriving now as your real self so it would have been wrong.

The same ones that have likely learned to actively NOT be touchy feely regardless of how they feel because it isn't "acceptable".  When you're already getting "what are you, some kind of ->-bleeped-<-got" questions some of those question answers are just a death wish (or at least severe bodily harm).  Once you get good enough at that kind of hiding/shying away then it becomes habit/second nature.  The fact you've learned to hide what you are doesn't mean you aren't.  Its going to take time to unlearn all those protective mechanisms.

In fact I find the test harmful in that aspect.  If you've opened up enough to take that sort of test (considering becoming your real self) and then it says you aren't what does that tell us?  If your first reach outside yourself is smacked away how many people just won't huddle inside forever.

[coolJ]

I'v scored 430 and 470. The funny thing is alot of the questions where already in my fantasies during my entire life! I always answer honestly because I'm not afraid of any results. But I do feel great when I test more female-go figure! BTW- I've never tested male on any test and a decent one is the BBC sex ID brain profile test. But like anything there can be variations in any of these tests so I wouldnt go writing anything in stone just yet!

[cindybc]

Hi Hiddenflame
You are correct about the part that you just wouldn't want to tell just anyone about this test and the results you got from them. I was only testifying to the fact that the test itself is one of the more accurate enough ones I have come across in some time. Serves as a reasonable enough tool of reference for one who is seeking to learn more about gender dysphoria or where they are at on the transsexuality scale.

To gauge oneself as to have an idea if you are early in this development or later on in the development, and yes it is geared for pre-transitioners and it is not necessary to be shared with anyone else until the individual taking the test is ready to do so. There are several different places on the document before you begin the test that they suggest you consult a gender therapist and not just take the test as the hand book to the alpha and omega of transsexuality. 

That is why I said that for some of the four options or answers they give for each question I wish that they had added one or two more options. The reason I went on with the test was to *test* the accuracy of the test according to my own experience and came to my own conclusion that  I believe it to be fairly accurate in its assessments.

Probably one of the better Laid out tests I have come across so far. I believe that after a time, after some years of transitioning, **not necessarily post-op** but after sufficient time to develop your own opinions, observations, developments, feelings and ideas about transitioning. What it means to you? Well any one could construct their own questionnaire from their own experiences, but then each individuals experiences will not quite likely be a carbon copy of the next person.

So this is why at best most of these tests will come out with only ball park figures, but close enough for the inquisitive to have an idea what they will be confronting.  Thank you for the challenge, I like a little brain gymnastics now and again. This is about the most interesting topic of discussion there has been since the **Being a Woman** thread a few days ago.

Cindy

 

[Suzy]

I've always scored between 350 and 370.  Like others said, though, these results are not guaranteed.  I consider it somewhere between a self-reflection tool and a novelty.

Kristi

[Steph]

It's an internet piece of junk.  It says nothing really.  You get the results you want.  Because everyone lies, even to them selves taking test like this.  There is NO predictive value in the results.

I have to agree with tekla.  It falls in the same category of the string of tests that were posted here last year covering such topics as, what color are you, what type of Fairy are you , what type of personality do you have etc. etc.  Fun to take at best but one should not consider them as any type of diagnostic tools.

Sorry folks.

Steph

[cindybc]

Hi Kriti hon, I quite agree with you on;

self-reflection tool and a novelty.

Most any test will not reflect everyone the same, I quite agree, most tests are geared to be more as a self reflection tool than a blanket generality because such is the nature of the beast called humanity and their unique specialized individual perceptions.

Yea I got brains, I just don't use them all the time lest I confuse the masses.

Cindy

[kimmie]

PROBABLE TRANSSEXUAL
You scored 80% female.

COGIATI classification FOUR, PROBABLE TRANSSEXUAL What this means is that the Combined Gender Identity And Transsexuality Inventory has classified your internal gender identity to be essentially feminine, but with some masculine or androgynous traits. It is very possible that you are a candidate for a diagnosis of transsexualism. You show a strong degree of gender dysphoria. At the very least, further investigation should be undertaken. Your COGIATI score places you among the majority of those diagnosed as transsexuals, the 'late onset' transsexual. SUGGESTIONS FOR ACTION: Your situation is potentially serious and indicative of a probable inborn gender conflict. It is definitely recommended that you pursue further action. The suggestions for your circumstance are several. 1. It is recommended that you seek help from a sympathetic counselor or professional about your gender issues. It is very possible that over time they will become increasingly difficult to cope with. Early determination of what you really need and want is vital. You need to determine if you truly are transsexual. Keep in mind, though, that many alternatives exist other than complete sexual transformation. Partial transformation and many other way of existing are available. While you are very possibly a transsexual, COGIATI has determined that this is not absolutely certain. While time is an issue, being certain is more important. Proceed with investigation of your possible transsexuality or ->-bleeped-<-, but with caution. 2. Some actions may help you to define your needs more clearly. Experimenting with living full time as a woman, taking hormones for a short time under supervision, or taking testosterone suppressers to observe how you feel are all viable options. Keep in mind that while it is very likely that you might be a transsexual, it is not certain. Do not take severe or permanent actions without long thought and the help of counselors and professionals. 3. Your gender issues are real, and should not be ignored. Neither should you rush into acting on them, however powerful they may feel. You do not fit the full criterion for the rarest classification, classic transsexuality, and so should be cautious, and open to possibilities. You may yet end up undergoing transition, and the path of the transsexual may well be your salvation. Be very careful, but do not ignore your issues. 4. If you have not already, consider joining any of the thousands of groups devoted to gender expression of various kinds. There is literally a world of friends to discover who share your interests. There are also publications, vacations, and activities that would expand your gender expression.

compared to other takers
85/100 You scored 80% on gender, higher than 85% of your peers.

[Hypatia]

You have won the "¿Quién es la más trans?" contest!

No sabía que también hablabas español, Hypatia

REVA*, Jane
*riendo en voz alta

That was just a takeoff on silly phrases like "¿Quién es el más macho?" etc. which are even heard sometimes in English-speaking contexts. I've been brushing up on Spanish, thinking that if I ever leave the USA, I'd move to Spain, where trans people are accorded equal rights.

That is why I said that for some of the four options or answers they give for each question I wish that they had added one or two more options.

This version of the test actually gave 5 options per question; skipping a question was apparently considered the gender-neutral or in-between position.

[Alyssa M.]

I have taken it a few times over the years and scored between categories 3 and 4. I think my mad math skeelz lowered my score somewhat. That's what happens when you parents are math geeks....

Everybody likes to bash cogiati. Fine, it's kind of trashy. I've got to say I found it useful. It's transparently gender normative, and obviously easily manipulated. But I think that's the point. It's food for thought -- manipulate it and try on a few labels for size. See how they feel when applied to you -- rather than those people. It was the first time anyone perceived me as anything other than just a guy, and that was a big deal for me. (Granted, "anyone" meaning "Jen Reitz's cgi script" -- but still.)

[cindybc]

Hi Hypatia hon, I didn't count how many answers there were for each questions, what I meant is I was wishing they had one or more options for answers. I guess what I was looking for was a progress report on just at what point on the scale of development one is at past the transsexual diagnosis level. Maybe they don't make such a critter.

Cindy

   

[Steph]

....Do Not self diagnose or self medicate. Way to much bunkum and misinformation is swirling around out there...Don't be taken in by any of it.

Agreed... I took the test quite few years ago now.  The problem I discovered with the test is that you can skew the answers to get the result that you want or need.  Sometimes we do this consciously or unconsciously the problem is that there are many out there who are desperately looking for answers and who will take the results they receive as gospel, affirming a belief that may have tragic consequences.

For fun maybe, for anything else - no way.

Steph 

[Selene]

I found this and took it a few days ago and got a 183(i think) stage 4, but I'm a very distant person and don't like to be hugged/be close to any one. So those questions didn't really apply to me. Only time with the therapist will tell with me since I've just started this journey.

[Shana A]

You have won the "¿Quién es la más trans?" contest!

No sabía que también hablabas español, Hypatia

REVA*, Jane
*riendo en voz alta

That was just a takeoff on silly phrases like "¿Quién es el más macho?" etc. which are even heard sometimes in English-speaking contexts. I've been brushing up on Spanish, thinking that if I ever leave the USA, I'd move to Spain, where trans people are accorded equal rights.

Vivida in Espana por tres anos en las 1970s. Nunca para derechos trans.... es mejor ahora 

Z

[Rachael]

Do Not self diagnose or self medicate. Way to much bunkum and misinformation is swirling around out there...Don't be taken in by any of it.

Im afraid that is the voice of someone with the option and of treatment talking.... You  got treatment... you can say that... for some of us... it was our only option... our only way of survival...

[Rita Irene]

Wow! I didnt realize this would stir everyone up so much...

for me, it was just a confirmation of what I already know.

I would never expect someone who got a high score to suddenly head of in trans direction, but I guess some might.

[cindybc]

Neither did I Rita, and it did mention in several different places not to go by their test, to seek a gender therapist or a qualified psychiatrist for affirmation. I suppose there are those here though that could take such a test as gospel.

I did lots of these tests as well in the past, for me it was affirmation enough to help me accept who I was and, ***and seek professional help*** before beginning transitioning. I never self prescribed any kind of pills or drugs for myself. Hmmmm, well, except for some years ago maybe pot and booze.

I am quite aware of some who self prescribe HRT. That is scarry, some are taking double or more the prescribed amount. Those that either can't afford a therapist or are just to scared to go to one for fear the therapist may turn them down for some reason or another. There are people out there, that use all kinds of different excuses but I am also quite sadly aware of those Starbuck mentioned as well. 

I don't know what the answer, is except that there should be some type of coverage for those who can't afford to pay for the treatment.

I wish I had a bandaid for all the ills and shortcomings folks suffer but I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to get a big enough supply of bandaids for that.


Cindy     

[Alyssa M.]

Do Not self diagnose or self medicate. Way to much bunkum and misinformation is swirling around out there...Don't be taken in by any of it.

Im afraid that is the voice of someone with the option and of treatment talking.... You  got treatment... you can say that... for some of us... it was our only option... our only way of survival...

Agreed. I'd add that I don't really believe there's anything better out there than self-diagnosis. That is, it would be great if we could all see qualified gender therapists, but the qualifications that make a therapist qualified are rather vague. I trust my therapist -- she has a lot of experience with trans issues -- but I hear so many people who have problems with theirs. When I read the DSM standard for GID, it is hardly different than self-diagnosis anyway.

That was a big part of the reason that Reitz wrote the cogiati -- because there isn't any good diagnostic method other than self-diagnosis.

~Alyssa

[Mia Kitten]

I just took the test...
I didn't like the choices on a lot of questions---I had to stretch to find the 'right' answer (closest to how I really felt).  It was fun to take though.

[KarenLyn]

I took it and scored as basically an androgyne.

I mentioned it here on the board and took a lot of crap about it 

Don't feel bad.  I took it and scored Androgyne too.  And I'm a cis-female. LMAO

What I don't understand is why so much emphasis is placed on a test that has no value as a diagnostic tool. Jennifer, the author of the test, is an IT person with no medical/psychiatric background other than being TS herself. She stated on her site that she never intended it to be used that way.

I took the test myself and find it to be slanted to stereotypical values that may have been accurate... if you lived in the 50's.

I haven't talked to her in a long time but I'm sure she's amazed at where it's gone.

Karen