Atypical Gender Development (OCR A-Level Psychology): Revision Notes

10.4.1 Gender Identity Disorder

Gender Dysphoria Overview

Gender Dysphoria, also known as Gender Identity Disorder (GID), is characterised by strong feelings of identification with the opposite gender and discomfort with one's assigned sex. Individuals with Gender Dysphoria often aspire to live as members of the opposite sex and may express this through their clothing and behaviour.

Biological Explanation

Genetic Factors: Research has suggested a genetic component to Gender Dysphoria. For instance, Coolidge et al. assessed 157 twin pairs for evidence of Gender Dysphoria and found that 62% of the variance in Gender Dysphoria could be attributed to genetic factors. Similarly, Heylens compared 23 monozygotic (MZ) twins with 21 dizygotic (DZ) twins, where one twin in each pair was diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria. The study found that 9 of the MZ twins were concordant for Gender Dysphoria, compared to none of the DZ twins, indicating a potential role of genetic factors in the development of Gender Dysphoria.

Social Explanation

Psychoanalytic Theory: Ovesey and Person's psychoanalytic theory emphasises the role of social relationships within the family as a cause of Gender Dysphoria. They argue that Gender Dysphoria in biological males may result from extreme separation anxiety experienced before gender identity is established. To relieve this anxiety, the boy may fantasise about a symbiotic fusion with his mother, removing the danger of separation. This could lead to the development of a female gender identity. Support for this theory comes from Stoller, who reported that in interviews, biological males with Gender Dysphoria often displayed overly close relationships with their mothers, suggesting stronger female identification and long-term confusion about their gender identity.

Evaluation

Limitations of Twin Studies

Inconclusive Findings:

• Point: A significant limitation of twin studies in Gender Dysphoria research is that their findings are often inconclusive.
• Evidence: Twin studies generally have low concordance rates, and it is challenging to separate the influence of nature and nurture. Monozygotic twins, in particular, may influence each other and share similar environmental conditions, complicating the interpretation of results. Furthermore, because Gender Dysphoria is relatively rare, sample sizes in twin studies are often small, which limits the generalisability of the findings.
• Explanation: These limitations suggest that twin studies may not provide a definitive understanding of the role of genetics in Gender Dysphoria, and the influence of environmental factors cannot be discounted, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions from such research.

Social Sensitivity in Research

Impact of Labelling Gender Dysphoria:

• Point: Research into Gender Dysphoria is socially sensitive and carries significant implications for individuals and society.
• Evidence: Identifying a biological basis for Gender Dysphoria might relieve some individuals by framing the condition as a medical issue rather than a personal failing, which can reduce feelings of guilt or responsibility. However, labelling Gender Dysphoria as a mental disorder can also be problematic, as it risks stigmatising individuals by suggesting that they are "ill" or "sick." This stigma can lead to prejudice and may affect how others perceive and treat those with Gender Dysphoria.
• Explanation: The way research is conducted and communicated can shape societal attitudes and the experiences of those with the condition, making it crucial to avoid reinforcing damaging stereotypes. Researchers must be mindful of the potential consequences their findings may have on the lives of individuals with Gender Dysphoria.

Critique of the Psychoanalytic Theory

Lack of Comprehensive Explanation:

• Point: A major limitation of Ovesey and Person's psychoanalytic theory is that it does not provide a comprehensive account of Gender Dysphoria, particularly in biological females.
• Evidence: The theory primarily addresses transgender women and fails to explain Gender Dysphoria in other populations. For instance, research by Reker suggests that Gender Dysphoria in individuals assigned male at birth is more likely linked to the absence of a father rather than separation anxiety from the mother.
• Explanation: This suggests that the psychoanalytic theory is not sufficiently broad and does not account for all cases of Gender Dysphoria, highlighting its limitations in providing a comprehensive understanding of the condition. Therefore, it may be necessary to consider additional factors, both social and biological, to fully understand the complexities of Gender Dysphoria.