Abstract
Current psychoanalytic and nonpsychoanalytic views on gender identity development are reviewed and contrasted. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of intrapsychic conflict and early object loss as determinants of disturbances of gender identity. Based on the concurrent hospital and psychoanalytic treatment of a latency-age boy, we advance the hypothesis that some boys who appear to be in the process of crystallizing a feminine gender identity may base their wish to become a woman on heightened narcissistic defenses against early object loss and the associated experiences of helplessness and vulnerability. Such children may respond to psychodynamic treatment not specifically designed to alter gender role behavior but to resolve their pathological defenses and reinstate them on the path of growth and development.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
