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Autogynephilia: an underappreciated paraphilia
1Department of Psychology, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alta., Canada. alawrence@mindspring.com
Advances in Psychosomatic Medicine
|October 19, 2011
Summary
Autogynephilia is a paraphilia where males are aroused by the thought of themselves as female. This concept helps understand some male-to-female transsexualism, though research is ongoing.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sexology
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Autogynephilia is a paraphilia defined as a male's sexual arousal by the thought of himself as a female.
- It is theorized to underlie transvestism and some forms of male-to-female (MtF) transsexualism.
- This arousal can include cross-dressing and cross-gender expression, not limited to women's clothing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define autogynephilia and its role in understanding MtF transsexualism.
- To present autogynephilia as a typology and motivational theory for a subset of MtF transsexual individuals.
- To explore its resemblance to sexual orientation due to elements of idealization, attachment, and erotic desire.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of autogynephilia.
- Review of existing theories on transsexualism and paraphilias.
- Clinical observations and theoretical frameworks.
Main Results:
- Autogynephilia is theorized to be a motivational factor in some MtF transsexualism.
- Approximately 3% of Western men may experience autogynephilia, with MtF transsexualism being a rare but increasing manifestation.
- The concept aligns with 'erotic target identity inversions,' where individuals desire to become facsimiles of their sexual attractions.
Conclusions:
- Autogynephilia offers a framework for understanding specific motivations in nonhomosexual MtF transsexualism.
- The concept aids clinicians in interpreting complex gender-related presentations.
- Further research is needed due to ongoing debate and rejection of this typology by some theorists.
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