The gene thought to be associated with gender dysphoria is the androgen receptor gene
The BTSc is typically around 40% larger in males than females
Heylens et al found 39% of MZ twins were concordant for Gender Dysphoria, 0% concordance for DZ twins
Liben and Bigler's extension of Gender Schema Theory is called the dual pathway theory
The original GST is the 'first pathway' - identify gender then seek gender-appropriate behaviours
The 'second pathway' - the individual's personal interests become more important, more dominant than their in-group schema
= gender dysphoria
A limitation of social explanations for gender dysphoria is that there is a lack of supporting evidence as concepts are difficult to measure - mental processes like schema cannot be empirically observed
Freud claimed that if the oedipus/electra complex is not resolved it can result in an inability to identify with the same sex parent.
Ovesey and Pearson claimed gender dysphoria in males is due to extreme separation anxiety because the mother is emotionally or physically absent. This causes the boy to fantasise a symbiotic fusion with his mother ( in his
unconscious mind he becomes her) so is always with her, removing the separation anxiety.
= strong identification with the wrong parent
= internalisation of the opposite gender identity and the boy feels female
