Lemma, Alessandra (2016) Present without past: The disruption of temporal integration in a case of transsexuality. Psychoanalytic Inquiry, 36 (5). pp. 360-370. ISSN 1940-9133 (electronic) 0735-1690 (paper)

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Abstract

In this article, I examine the impact of extensive modification of the body on thetemporal link, which is an important feature of human identity, as it provides continuity between different representations of the self over time. I illustrate this with a case of a young boy who underwent sex reassignment surgery in late adolescence after the artificial suspension of puberty through sex hormones. I argue that when hormones are used in this way, one can observe in some cases not only the desired suspension of physical time during which the body’s given biological trajectory is artificially halted, but also of psychological time. In some instances, this biological and psychic detour can result in a marked distortion in the young person’s relationship to time and impacts on their psychological adaptation following surgery.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Sex Psychology > Transsexualism Sex Psychology > Gender Identity
Department/People:	Special Units
URI:	https://repository.tavistockandportman.ac.uk/id/eprint/1492

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