A 21st Century View of Female Genital Anxiety

Abstract

This paper traces varying perspectives on female genital anxiety in psychoanalytic thinking. Through a survey of the literature and clinical evidence, female genital anxiety is assessed from an object relations perspective. The girl's understanding of her genitals—the internal space, its uses and its link to gender identity as she differentiates from her mother, are explored. The author attempts to illuminate the interconnectedness of the girl's understanding of her genitals, and the vagina's link to the evolving sense of gender identity, and the relationship with both mother and father. Wishes for a penis are understood to be desire for a relationship with the father and a wish for vital sexuality as opposed to a wish for the phallus.

Key Words:

• Genital anxiety
• penis envy
• sexuality
• female development