How Autogynephilic Are Natal Females?

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sexology
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Blanchard's theory posits autogynephilia as a key motivator for gender dysphoric natal males pursuing transition.
• This theory has faced challenges, with some researchers suggesting autogynephilia is prevalent in natal females.

Purpose of the Study:

• To empirically investigate the prevalence of autogynephilia in natal females compared to natal males.
• To critically evaluate claims that autogynephilia is common among women.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Blanchard's original Core Autogynephilia Scale.
• Compared scores from four samples of autogynephilic natal males (N=1549), four samples of non-autogynephilic natal males (N=1339), and two samples of natal females (N=500).

Main Results:

• Autogynephilic natal male samples exhibited significantly higher mean scores on the Core Autogynephilia Scale.
• Non-autogynephilic natal males and natal females showed similar, low mean scores.
• Findings indicate a clear distinction in autogynephilia prevalence between groups.

Conclusions:

• The study refutes the contention that autogynephilia is common among natal females.
• Results support Blanchard's original conceptualization regarding autogynephilia in natal males.
• Methodological limitations in prior studies challenging Blanchard's theory are highlighted.