10.3.3 The Psychodynamic Explanation of Gender

Psychoanalytic Theory

The psychoanalytic theory (proposed by Ovesey and Person) emphasises the role of social relationships within the family in causing gender dysphoria.

They argue that gender dysphoria in biological males stems from extreme separation anxiety experienced before the establishment of gender identity.

• The boy fantasises about a symbiotic fusion with his mother to alleviate this anxiety, thereby removing the threat of separation. As a consequence, the child develops a female gender identity.
• Support for this theory comes from Stoller, who reported that in interviews, gender dysphoric biological males displayed overly close relationships with their mothers, suggesting stronger female identification and longer-term confusion of their gender identity.

Evaluation

Limitations of Twin Studies

Inconclusive Findings:

• Point: A limitation of twin studies in gender dysphoria research is that their findings are often inconclusive.
• Evidence: Twin studies tend to have low concordance rates for gender dysphoria, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Moreover, it is challenging to separate the influence of nature and nurture, especially in monozygotic (MZ) twins, who may influence each other and share similar environmental conditions. Additionally, because gender dysphoria is rare, sample sizes in twin studies are often small, limiting the generalisability of the findings.
• Explanation: These factors suggest that twin studies may not provide a reliable basis for understanding the origins of gender dysphoria, and their limited scope further complicates attempts to generalise findings.

Social Sensitivity in Research

Impact of Labeling Gender Dysphoria:

• Point: Research into gender dysphoria is socially sensitive and can have significant implications for individuals and society.
• Evidence: Discovering a biological basis for gender dysphoria might be a relief for some individuals, as it frames the condition as a medical issue rather than a personal flaw, reducing feelings of responsibility or guilt. However, labeling gender dysphoria as a mental disorder can also be problematic, as it risks stigmatising those affected by suggesting that they are "ill" or "sick." This stigma can lead to prejudice and may affect how others perceive and treat individuals with gender dysphoria.
• Explanation: This highlights the importance of how research into gender dysphoria is conducted and communicated, as it can shape societal attitudes and the experiences of those with the condition. Researchers and clinicians should be cautious to avoid reinforcing damaging stereotypes.

Limitations of the Psychoanalytic Theory

Lack of Comprehensive Explanation:

• Point: A significant limitation of the psychoanalytic theory is that it does not provide a comprehensive explanation of gender dysphoria, particularly in biological females.
• Evidence: Ovesey and Person's explanation is focused on transgender women and does not adequately address gender dysphoria in biological females. Furthermore, research by Reker suggests that gender dysphoria in those assigned male at birth is more likely to be associated with the absence of a father rather than the fear of separation from the mother.
• Explanation: This indicates that the psychoanalytic theory is not sufficiently broad to account for all cases of gender dysphoria, particularly those involving biological females, and therefore lacks comprehensiveness in its approach to understanding the condition.