What it is like to be “ex”? Psycho-discursive analysis of a dangling identity

Abstract

The goal of this article is to observe how communicative processes intervene in constructing and maintaining given self-narratives. Proceeding from the idea that the Self is, rst of all, narration, we shall scrutinise the topic of identity permanence and change in our linguistic system by exploring the con gurations of reality produced by the use of a speci c morpheme: the “ex”. After considering some differences about the intricate relationship between language, mind and reality, we tried to enter the etym and the meanings linked to the use of this linguistic particle. Making use of Wittgenstein’s proposed method called “perspicuous representation” we examined the implicit meanings it assumes in different usage contexts such as daily language and self-narratives provided by prisoners asked about their image of the “ex-prisoner”. The analysis revealed a substantial ambiguity between the identity change and its nega- tion since the use of the pre x “ex” seemed to con rm and at the same time deny the meaning of the noun accompanying it. The use of the pre x can also prevent the re-positioning of the persons with respect to their past. These ndings may contribute to the understanding of the need for a change in linguistic direction. Our conceptu- alisations of identity cannot be divorced from the linguistic devices used to express them. Major implications for daily language and for the study of clinical and deviant phenomena have been considered

Mental health practitioners’ narratives about gender transition and the role of diagnosis: A qualitative study in the Italian context

“…Considering clinical pathways as relational processes, historically and culturally situated (Faccio et al., 2018; Faccio et al., 2018; McNamee & Gergen, 1992), it is legitimate to emphasise the importance of the ways whereby reality is co‐constructed. Likewise, it is useful that the practitioner exercise reflexivity about the specific role and personal characteristics (Lingiardi et al., 2018) and have specific competencies in gender identity, which are crucial in creating the conditions for a shared pathway starting from the trans person's identified needs (ACA, 2010; Gergen, 2009; Pawelczyk et al., 2021).…”

Trans people’s attitudes and beliefs regarding the diagnosis of “gender dysphoria”: Research in the Italian context.

“…One of the core elements emerging from the interviews was how the reification of terms formed part of a particular linguistic process that included the diagnosis. This process led to the conventional nature of the term “gender dysphoria” being overridden and given an objective existence (Faccio, Mininni, & Rocelli, 2018). That is why it could be adopted as an intrinsic or explanatory characteristic of identity, inducing some of the participants to describe themselves consistently in terms of the established symptoms or features that suggest a diagnosis of “gender dysphoria.” We can glimpse this process when participants describe the diagnosis as a tool to use when talking to other people about themselves.…”

Culture & Psychology: 25 Constructive years

“…The coverage of meaning transitions over whole life course (Bastos, 2017) and especially the focus on polyphonic imagination about the life course (Klempe, 2017; Pultz & Hviid, 2017) as well as markers of irreversible changes (e.g. the meaning of “ex”—Faccio, Mininni, & Rocelli, 2018). Cultural construction of life course trajectories involves forward-oriented guidance (Avenues of Directive Meaning—Lyra, Valerio, & Wagoner, 2018).…”