Structural dissociation and gender

[Keen]

For those of you who have done more research and have done more therapy so have a greater knowledge of structural dissociation theory, is it possible to have a "part" that is a different gender than you? Or can that only occur with "alters" in full-blown dissociative identity disorder?
Thanks!

 

[anonymous]

is it possible to have a "part" that is a different gender than you? Or can that only occur with "alters" in full-blown dissociative identity disorder?

I don't know what I have, because my T doesn't like labeling. I have a part that is a different gender.

 

[One step at a time]

Different parts of me have different preferences for the way we act and dress. But gender is fluid - the idea that there are two genders, and everyone is either one or the other, is a fallacy. My parts are not "male" or "female" - we are just me, myself, and I. So I'm not worried.

I have no professional training, so I can't say what is or isn't DID, but from my experience it is totally possible to not have DID and have parts who aren't all one gender.

 

[Keen]

I don't know what I have, because my T doesn't like labeling. I have a part that is a different gende...

Thanks! I don't prefer labels either, but I'm just pretty sure I don't have DID, but am wondering if having a "part" that is a different gender is still possible because of some experiences I've had.

 

[Keen]

Different parts of me have different preferences for the way we act and dress. But gender is...

I get what you're saying about gender. I sometimes use gender and biological sex interchangeably. There are two predominate biological sexes, and what I meant is could a person have a "part" that feels like a different biological sex than I am. And it sounds like you agree there can be from your experience. Thanks!

 

[BlueOrange]

I have a part that's a girl, despite having a male body.

Your diagnosis needs to fit the truth of your life. Don't try to change the truth of your life to fit (or avoid) a diagnosis.

 

[Recovery4Me]

Perhaps consider exploring terminology that is outside of gender binary and cisnormativity. In this manner you may find your pose easier to address with your Therapist.

I am gender fluid with PTSD.

 

[anonymous]

Yes it's not uncommon in survivors of sexual abuse. The perpetrator leaves you like that. : ( No it is not only associated with specific conditions/diagnosis.

 

[joeylittle]

I have a part that's a girl, despite having a male body.

Yes, but you do have DID, and the OP is talking about structural Dissociation and is fairly clear that she does not have DID.

Even those who have no mental health issues can identify that they have what they'd call masculine and feminine aspects of the self. So, it stands to reason that inside of Structural Dissociation theory, one might be aware of more masculine or feminine aspects - i.e. 'parts' - irregardless of biological gender.

And, the cultural/societal concept of gender identity is shifting as well.

My point, @Kassie, is simply that it's quite logical, given what is understood about psychological norms (separate from dissociative issues), to have a sense of a male side and a female side. Coupled with our most basic understanding of dissociation and identity, it's also logical that gender identity could factor into 'parts' identity.

 

[Keen]

Yes it's not uncommon in survivors of sexual abuse. The perpetrator leaves you like that. : ( No it...

Thanks!

 

[Keen]

Yes, but you do have DID, and the OP is talking about structural Dissociation and is fairly clear th...

Thanks! That makes sense

 

[BlueOrange]

Yes, but you do have DID, and the OP is talking about structural Dissociation and is fairly clear that she does not have DID.

My diagnosis is DID. My second paragraph is important though - DID is a form of Structural Dissociation, and none of us should be trying to adjust reality to fit a theory about reality.

The OP is convinced that they don't have DID. That's nice. They're also at risk of denying their experience because 'If it only happens in DID, it can't be happening'. Think about that for a minute.