Psychosocial development in a genetic male surgically reassigned as a female at birth
Article Abstract:
It occasionally happens that an infant who is genetically male, that is, with chromosome 46XY, will be surgically assigned as a female. This circumstance may arise from congenital anomalies, along with the limitations of surgical intervention for correction or reconstruction of the genitals. One such case is presented of a person who is now an 11-year-old girl, which illustrates the influence of psychosocial factors upon the development of gender identity. The patient, who underwent extensive surgery and hormone therapy, is a twin, whose sister is genetically normal. She was initially seen by the author because of scholastic difficulties, which were found to involve anxieties concerning growing up and leaving home. As the girl grew older, her interest in sports indicated that she preferred activities normally ascribed to boys, and she admitted to feeling uncomfortable around girls. Her mother, who had guilt feelings for making the choice of gender, did not openly discuss with the child the nature of her complicated anatomy, and thus the child became confused and quite lonely. The therapeutic approach was psychodynamic, and focussed upon giving the girl a mechanism for interpreting the symbols that she used in describing herself. Gradually, the girl learned to express her feelings and her achievements, and to speculate on her sexual preference. For the time being, she is content to refer to herself as a 'tomboy,' in contrast to a boy or a girl. The author of this case study acknowledges the difficulty in determining the factors that are shaping the patient's sexual identity, but points out that it is clear that gender-feedback leads to development of sexual differences. The conflicts between anatomical/genetic gender and sexual identity in this case initially manifested themselves as regression and underachievement, which were improved with psychotherapy. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Psychotherapy
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0002-9564
Year: 1990
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The role of identification in mentoring female proteges
Article Abstract:
Mentors and proteges from a variety of occupations and fields were studied. The study was confined to female proteges in ongoing mentor relationships with either female or male mentors. The results show that the level of a protege's identification with the mentor decreases over time, and that this more mellow period is the most productive part of the affiliation. The results also indicate that an emotional involvement helps the protege's career progress and that male mentors can provide uniquely valuable assistance to women proteges.
Publication Name: Group & Organization Studies
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0364-1082
Year: 1986
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Gay and lesbian self-identification: a response to Rotheram-Borus and Fernandez
Article Abstract:
Rotheram-Borus and Fernandez (1995) propose that the examination of one's sexual orientation can become the 'central development task' and 'central challenge' of homosexual adolescents searching for personal identity. However, the two fail to explain the extent to which this process of homosexual self-identification may be normative or healthy. They also attempt to support their position by referring to previous studies, but they do not take into account the limitations of these studies.
Publication Name: Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0363-0234
Year: 1995
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