Abstract
Autoandrophilia refers to a paraphilic phenomenon in which an individual experiences sexual arousal from imagining themselves as a more masculine or idealized version of a man. This concept is linked to erotic target identity inversion (ETII), a framework proposed by Blanchard (1991) to explain cases where individuals become sexually aroused by embodying their preferred sexual target. While autoandrophilia remains a debated construct, recent discussions have explored its implications for gender identity, sexual orientation, and psychological well-being.
Introduction
Autoandrophilia is conceptually related to autogynephilia, which describes sexual arousal from imagining oneself as a woman. The term was introduced in discussions of gender identity and paraphilic interests, particularly in relation to transmasculine individuals and cisgender men who experience attraction toward their own masculinized self-image (Lawrence, 2009).
Psychological and Clinical Considerations
Research suggests that autoandrophilia may be an example of an erotic target location error, where an individual internalizes their sexual attraction (Blanchard, 1991). Lawrence (2009) described a case study of an individual who exhibited autoandrophilic tendencies, reinforcing the idea that this phenomenon may exist within a broader spectrum of paraphilic interests. However, critics argue that the concept lacks empirical validation and may pathologize gender diversity (Benestad & Almås, 2017).
Conclusion
Autoandrophilia remains a controversial and under-researched topic in psychology. While some studies suggest it may be a legitimate paraphilic interest, others question its validity and ethical implications. Further empirical research is needed to clarify its role in gender identity and sexual orientation.
Related Post
Autogynephilia: https://suttonpsychology.blogspot.com/2025/06/autogynephilia-psychological-perspective.html
References
Blanchard, R. (1991). Erotic target location errors: An explanation for transvestic fetishism and related phenomena. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 17(4), 235–251.
Lawrence, A. A. (2009). Anatomic autoandrophilia in an adult male. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 38(6), 1050–1056. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10508-008-9446-6
Benestad, E. E. P., & Almås, E. (2017). Autogynephilia and autoandrophilia revisited. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 14(Supplement_4b), e281. https://academic.oup.com/jsm/article-abstract/14/Supplement_4b/e281/7021624
Post Author
Geoffrey W. Sutton, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Evangel University, holds a master’s degree in counseling and a PhD in psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. His postdoctoral work encompassed education and supervision in forensic and neuropsychology. As a licensed psychologist, he conducted clinical and neuropsychological evaluations and provided psychotherapy for patients in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and private offices. During his tenure as a professor, Dr. Sutton taught courses on psychotherapy, assessment, and research. He has authored over one hundred publications, including books, book chapters, and articles in peer-reviewed psychology journals. His website is https://suttong.com
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