- Scientists analyze resurfaced 1991 study on the link between a mother's borderline personality disorder and their sons' gender dysphoria
- The study was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- The authors, Dr. Sonia Marantz and Dr. Susan Coates, titled the study, "Mothers of Boys with Gender Identity Disorder: A Comparison of Matched Controls"
Two scientists give their take on a resurfaced 1991 study that observed the potential link between a mother's borderline personality disorder and their sons' gender dysphoria.
The situation comes as the study has recently made its rounds on various social media platforms. Titled "Mothers of Boys with Gender Identity Disorder: A Comparison of Matched Controls," the study was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry by Dr. Sonia Marantz and Dr. Susan Coates.
Scientists Analyze 1991 Study on Gender Dysphoria
The study's authors interviewed 16 mothers whose sons had gender dysphoria (GID), which is considered to be a person whose gender identity does not match their assigned sex, and 17 mothers without the disorder, as per Fox News.
The study then concluded that 53% of the mothers of sons with GID qualified as having Borderline Personality Disorder. Two psychiatric scientists offered their insight into the study after being asked about the possibility of reproducing it in the modern age.
In a statement, Dr. Nina Silander, an author and practicing psychologist, said that if the 1991 study were done today, it would show similar results, if not more pronounced. She argued that this is because fundamental motivators of human behavior can remain thematically similar in the long run.
However, the professional said that a newer study would have to make up for the former's limitations, particularly the lack of clinical controls, exclusion of fathers in the study, and lack of focus on gender dysphoria in daughters and the mother/parent-daughter relationship.
The Marantz-Coates study also claims that the mothers of boys with GID fostered a more symbiotic relationship with their children. This seemingly discouraged the development of autonomy, according to Evie Magazine.
Borderline Personality Disorder and GID
The findings suggest that parenting practices and attitudes could directly affect children's gender identity development. Boys who have GID experience distress about their gender and demonstrate a preference for stereotypical female activities. They also express their desire to become the opposite gender.
Signs of GID usually show up between the ages of two and four, and many boys who have GID grow up to identify as homosexuals. The study also noted that boys who have GID typically exhibit a temperament that dislikes rough-and-tumble play.
While the exact causes of gender dysphoria are complex and multifaceted, several studies have suggested that genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors cause it.
Today, GID presents unique challenges for individuals navigating social norms and expectations. Many recommends having a sense of empathy, support, and commitment to inclusivity when dealing with people with gender dysphoria to promote mental health and well-being, said Sports Keeda.
