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Adolescent males with urogenital anomalies: Their body image and psychosexual development

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Abstract

Three midadolescent males with major congenital urogenital anomalies and multiple surgical repairs are described. Each patient had suffered repeated profound insults to body image concepts and gender identity from infancy onward, now clearly reflected in his psychosocial behavior and in figure drawings. Of major importance is the total lack at any time of counseling and emotional support as a part of comprehensive management. A plea is made for awareness of the psychological effects of such disorders and the need for long-range therapeutic planning from early childhood through adolescence to develop sound compensatory modes of coping with this stress.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Private practice of pediatrics and adolescent medicine in Malvern, New York

    Steven F. Cogan (Clinical Instructor in Pediatrics)

  2. New York University Medical Center, USA

    Steven F. Cogan (Clinical Instructor in Pediatrics)

  3. Department of Pediatrics and Child Care, Hadassah-University Medical Faculty, Jerusalem, Israel

    R. D. Becker (Director of liaison psychiatry and Associate Professor)

  4. Adolescent Medical Unit, Bellevue Hospital, USA

    Adele D. Hofmann (Director, Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics)

  5. New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York

    Adele D. Hofmann (Director, Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics)

Authors
  1. Steven F. Cogan
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  2. R. D. Becker
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  3. Adele D. Hofmann
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Additional information

Formerly fellow in adolescent medicine, New York University Medical Center, at the time the material for this report was collected. Received his M.D. and pediatric training at Boston University School of Medicine and Boston City Hospital. Research interests include comprehensive health care for adolescents and the effects of illness on adolescent psychological development.

Received his Ph.D. in psychology from Heed University, Miami, Florida, and training in psychology and child development at New York University. Research interests include the psychological effects of hospitalization on children and youth, minimal brain dysfunction, and developmental assessment in infancy.

Received her M.D. from the University of Rochester, pediatric training at University of Minnesota Hospitals and Babies Hospital, New York City, and training in adolescent medicine at Beth Israel Hospital, New York. Research interests include psychological effects of illness and hospitalization in adolescents, legal rights of minors, and adolescent sexuality.

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Cogan, S.F., Becker, R.D. & Hofmann, A.D. Adolescent males with urogenital anomalies: Their body image and psychosexual development. J Youth Adolescence 4, 359–373 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01536901

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01536901

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