This thesis is a comprehensive examination of cross dressing among men and providesdescriptive information, a review of the literature and some new research data. The theoreticalpart presents a multidimensional model for the analysis of transvestism. Various theoreticalapproaches are analyzed and a self theory based on a cognitive and transpersonal psychologyperspective is successfully elaborated. Transvestism is viewed as a multidetermined phenomena. One important argument in the model is that transvestism can be seen as an expression of a second self or a feminine self. The feminine self is conceptualized as a subsystem of the self.

The empirical section of the thesis contains three different studies. The main part focuseson a qualitative in-depth analysis of a group of twelve transvestites from a cross dressing clubin Sweden, This group of transvestites is also compared with a small group of marginaltransvestites and male-to-female transsexuals. The empirical results give a detailed picture ofthe experiential world of the transvestite and the cognitive and affective changes associatedwith cross dressing. The results confirm previous findings that male transvestism can be seenas an expression of a second self or a feminine self and that cross dressing follows a dynamicpattern from an early "fetishistic stage" to a later "gender identity stage".

The second part of the empirical study contains a comparison between treated and untreated male cross-dressers. This comparison was based on an interview study with 92 male members of a cross dressing club in Sweden. Multiple comparisons showed many similarities between the two groups. However, those in the treated group were more often unmarried or divorced, had experienced more difficulties functioning in the male gender role and also seemed to have a more intense identification with the feminine self.

The third part of the empirical section reviews the findings from a study of 50 wives andlong-term partners of transvestites in Sweden. The results show both positive, neutral andnegative attitudes in various degrees towards cross dressing and both positive and negativefactors in marriage attributed to transvestism.