The Psychoanalytic Model of Male Homosexuality: A Historical and Theoretical Critique

A historical & theoretical critique of the psychoanalytic theory of M homosexuality & its central thesis of homosexual pathology. Initially outlined by Sigmund Freud, the theory assumed its classical form with S. Rado & I. Bieber, & has since remained largely unchanged. Psychoanalysis asserts that homosexual Ms all suffer developmental arrest caused by early narcissistic fixations, disturbed family environment, pathological defenses against a biologically primary heterosexuality, & an underlying disturbance of M gender identity. It is argued that this theory suffers major ambiguities, especially through its confounding of homosexual preference or object choice with various aspects of M effeminacy. The classic etiology attributed to homosexual Ms by psychoanalysis is only a rough generalization covering partly incompatible subpatterns, & may be related more to the pathology of the preselected patient population than to the sexual preference itself. Major nonpsychoanalytic research on homosexuality since the 1950s is reviewed as a complement to the clinical findings. It is suggested that psychoanalysts & sex researchers from all disciplines should work toward a comprehensive & integrated model of M homosexuality. 87 References. Modified AA