The adolescent transvestite on a psychiatric service: Family patterns

Abstract

The symptom of transvestism is explored in a study of 18 adolescent boys who dressed in women's clothing and of their families. Twelve of this group who exhibit similar manifest behavior and family interaction are designated as transvestites. Their stated or apparent purpose in cross-dressing is to appear as a girl, with masturbation apparently of secondary importance. A sister is present in these families and is always the mother's preferred child. The mother—daughter relationship is characterized by relative absence of overt hostility. There is an intense interdependent interaction between the mother and the transvestite son; hostility is directed by the mother toward masculinity and specifically toward the son's masculine strivings. Dressing as a girl is openly or subtly encouraged by the mother. The father is present but relates to the son in a distant and passive manner. These observations are tentative, and further study is needed of the dynamics of transvestism. Direct observation of entire families may provide important information about the dynamics of many sexual deviations.