Etiopathogenetic Hypotheses of Transsexualism

Abstract

The current chapter focuses on the etiopathogenetic hypotheses of transsexualism. The etiology of gender identity, typical and atypical, presently remains unknown. However, the mounting evidence for a biological basis is compelling. No doubt the next decade will bring new data that elucidates the complexities of identity formation and amplifies understanding of the transsexual phenomenon. What is clear from the existing body of knowledge is that theories that rely on consensus, rather than science, have stigmatized people by "blaming the victim." The attribution of psychopathology, deficient parenting, or childhood trauma as the '"cause"' of gender dysphoria must be forever relegated to the status of myth. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved)