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Autogynephilia in women
1Department of Sexual Medicine, Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality, San Francisco, California, USA. Docx2@ix.netcom.com
Journal of Homosexuality
|July 11, 2009
Summary
This study explored autogynephilia, an erotic interest in oneself as a woman, in natal women. Findings suggest a high prevalence of autogynephilic experiences among professional women.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sexuality Studies
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Autogynephilia is typically described as a sexual interest of male-to-female transsexuals.
- The concept of autogynephilia has not been previously applied to natal women.
- Research is needed to understand the prevalence and nature of autogynephilia in diverse populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential experience of autogynephilia in natal women.
- To adapt existing measures for assessing autogynephilia in a female sample.
- To explore the implications of autogynephilia for understanding female sexuality.
Main Methods:
- Development of an Autogynephilia Scale for Women (ASW) based on existing measures.
- Distribution of the ASW questionnaire to a sample of 51 professional women.
- Analysis of 29 completed questionnaires to assess autogynephilic experiences.
Main Results:
- Using a broad definition, 93% of respondents reported experiencing autogynephilia.
- A more rigorous definition identified 28% of respondents as frequently autogynephilic.
- The findings challenge previous assumptions about the exclusivity of autogynephilia to male-to-female individuals.
Conclusions:
- Autogynephilic experiences appear to be common among natal women.
- The findings necessitate a broader understanding of autogynephilia beyond its association with male-to-female transsexualism.
- Further research is warranted to explore the nuances of female sexuality and autogynephilia.
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