1
|
Yoon D, Hofmann MJ, Mokros A, Krüppel J. Explicit measures for emotional congruence with children are related to sexual interests in a male community sample, but not implicit measures. Int J Impot Res 2024:10.1038/s41443-024-00911-9. [PMID: 38902515 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-024-00911-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
This study sought to disentangle several phenotypic correlates of pedophilic sexual interests, such as emotional congruence with children and lack of empathy. We utilized Implicit Association Tests and self-report questionnaires for emotional congruence with children and analyzed the psychometric properties of these measures. Further, we analyzed the associations between these measures and self-reported pedophilic sexual interests and empathy. The sample consisted of 110 adult community males (prevalence of sexual interest in children at least to some extent: 5.5%) with or without child-related jobs (43.6% vs. 56.4%) recruited online in the general population. Overall, we found equivocal parameters for reliability of the implicit and explicit measures of emotional congruence with children (α = 0.29 to 0.76). The self-reported emotional congruence with children was only weakly linked to the implicit positive evaluations of children (r = 0.170, p = 0.039), not linked to empathy except for distress in social interactions (r = 0.199, p = 0.019), and moderately linked to deviant sexual interests in children (r = 0.321 to 0.404, p < 0.001), especially in men working with children (R2 = 0.04, p = 0.027). Further studies are warranted to expand the sample to the offender population and explore the more complex network of constructs related to pedophilia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dahlnym Yoon
- Institute for Forensic Psychology and Forensic Medicine (IFPM), MSH - Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Miriam J Hofmann
- Faculty of Psychology, FernUniversität in Hagen (University of Hagen), Hagen, Germany
| | - Andreas Mokros
- Faculty of Psychology, FernUniversität in Hagen (University of Hagen), Hagen, Germany
| | - Jonas Krüppel
- Faculty of Psychology, FernUniversität in Hagen (University of Hagen), Hagen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Seto MC, Leroux EJ, Kane L, Ashbaugh AR, Lalumière ML, Curry S, Stephens S, Chivers ML. Does the Paraphilia Scale Work for Everyone? Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Measurement Invariance Across Gender and Sexual Orientation Groups. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38832846 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2024.2353303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
We conducted three studies to examine the factor structure and measurement invariance of the Paraphilia Scale, a measure of paraphilic interests used in multiple studies. In the first study, we conducted a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) testing different a priori models with a community sample of 1,040 adults previously reported by Seto et al. (2021), and found support for a hierarchical four-factor model: An agonistic continuum involving coercion or physical pain (biastophilia, sexual sadism, masochism), chronophilias (pedophilia, hebephilia), courtship disorders (voyeurism, exhibitionism, and frotteurism), and fetishism (object fetishism, transvestic fetishism, urophilia-coprophilia). This factor structure was replicated in a second study comprising a combined sample of 400 mTurk participants and 870 university students. The third study analyzed the community sample and found evidence of configural invariance but not scalar or metric invariance across gender (man or woman) and sexual orientation for gender (heterosexual or other sexual orientation). This indicates that the factor structure of the Paraphilia Scale is robust for gender and sexual orientation for gender, but factor loadings differ across these groups, as do the loadings of individual items on the four factors. Implications for research on gender and sexual orientation differences in paraphilic interests are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Seto
- Forensic Research Unit, University of Ottawa's Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal
| | | | | | | | | | - Susan Curry
- Forensic Research Unit, University of Ottawa's Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schippers EE, Smid W, Hoogsteder L, de Vogel V. Factor Analysis With Unusual Sexual Interests: A Replication Study in a Representative Population Sample. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2024; 36:464-485. [PMID: 37729612 DOI: 10.1177/10790632231200841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
A previous study found a variety of unusual sexual interests to cluster in a five-factor structure, namely submission/masochism, forbidden sexual activities, dominance/sadism, mysophilia, and fetishism (Schippers et al., 2021). The current study was an empirical replication to examine whether these findings generalized to a representative population sample. An online, anonymous sample (N = 256) representative of the Dutch adult male population rated 32 unusual sexual interests on a scale from 1 (very unappealing) to 7 (very appealing). An exploratory factor analysis assessed whether similar factors would emerge as in the original study. A subsequent confirmatory factor analysis served to confirm the factor structure. Four slightly different factors of sexual interest were found: extreme, illegal and mysophilic sexual activities; light BDSM without real pain or suffering; heavy BDSM that may include pain or suffering; and illegal but lower-sentenced and fetishistic sexual activities. The model fit was acceptable. The representative replication sample was more sexually conservative and showed less sexual engagement than the original convenience sample. On a fundamental level, sexual interest in light BDSM activities and extreme, forbidden, and mysophilic activities seem to be relatively separate constructs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eveline E Schippers
- Forensic Care Specialists, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, section Forensic Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Wineke Smid
- Forensic Care Specialists, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Larissa Hoogsteder
- Forensic Care Specialists, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Vivienne de Vogel
- Forensic Care Specialists, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, section Forensic Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Larva MA, Rantala MJ. An Evolutionary Psychological Approach Toward BDSM Interest and Behavior. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:2253-2267. [PMID: 38769280 PMCID: PMC11176219 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02881-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Bondage/discipline, Dominance/submission, and Sadism/Masochism (BDSM) have gained increased attention and discussion in recent years. This prevalence is accompanied by a shift in perceptions of BDSM, including the declassification of sadomasochism as a paraphilic disorder. Evolutionary psychology offers a unique perspective of why some individuals are interested in BDSM and why some prefer certain elements of BDSM over others (e.g., dominance versus submission). In this paper, we examine BDSM from an evolutionary standpoint, examining biopsychosocial factors that underlie the BDSM interests and practice. We articulate this perspective via an exploration of: proximate processes, such as the role of childhood experiences, sexual conditioning, and physiological factors; as well as ultimate explanations for power play and pain play dimensions of BDSM, highlighting the potential adaptive advantages of each. While BDSM may not be adaptive in itself, we examine the literature of sex differences in BDSM role preferences and argue that these preferences may stem from the extreme forms of behaviors which enhance reproductive success. In the realm of pain play, we explore the intersection of pain and pleasure from both physiological and psychological perspectives, highlighting the crucial role of psychological and play partner factors in modulating the experience of pain. Finally, we encourage future research in social sciences to utilize evolutionary frameworks to further explore the subject and help alleviate the mystification surrounding BDSM. This multifaceted exploration of BDSM provides valuable insights for clinicians, kink-identified individuals, and scholars seeking to understand the evolutionary perspectives of human sexual behavior and preferences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A Larva
- INVEST Research Flagship Centre (Psychology), University of Turku, Assistentinkatu 7, N20014, Turku, Finland.
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zakreski E, Androvičová R, Bártová K, Chronos A, Krejčová L, Martinec Nováková L, Klapilová K. Childhood Adversity and Offense-Supportive Cognitions Among Czech Adults with a Sexual Interest in Violence or Children. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:2159-2172. [PMID: 38514492 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02837-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Individuals with paraphilic interests in sexual violence or children may be more likely to sexually offend if they possess offense-supportive cognitions. These cognitions may develop in response to childhood adversity. However, this idea is largely based on research in men convicted of sexual offenses and may not generalize to non-incarcerated adults with paraphilic interests. In a sample of 178 adults screened for paraphilic interests in violence or children (from the general Czech population), we hypothesized that childhood sexual abuse and emotional neglect would be associated with offense-supportive cognitions about rape and child molestation. Participants came from a nationally representative sample of Czech adults and were selected if they self-reported high levels of sexual interest in violence and/or children. Participants completed an online survey with self-report measures of sexual orientation, offense-supportive cognitions (Bumby RAPE and MOLEST scales), and childhood sexual abuse and emotional neglect (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire). Controlling for gender, age, and sexual orientation, we found that both rape-supportive cognitions and child molestation-supportive cognitions were significantly associated with higher levels of childhood sexual abuse, but not emotional neglect. These findings indicate that childhood sexual abuse may lead to offense-supportive cognitions among men and women with paraphilia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Zakreski
- Centrum Pro Sexuální Zdraví a Intervence, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic.
- Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Renáta Androvičová
- Centrum Pro Sexuální Zdraví a Intervence, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Klára Bártová
- Centrum Pro Sexuální Zdraví a Intervence, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Agatha Chronos
- Faculty of Psychology, Universitetet i Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lucie Krejčová
- Centrum Pro Sexuální Zdraví a Intervence, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Martinec Nováková
- Centrum Pro Sexuální Zdraví a Intervence, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Klapilová
- Centrum Pro Sexuální Zdraví a Intervence, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lassche MM, Lasogga L, de Roos MS, Leeflang A, Ajazi V, Axioti M, Rassin E, van Dongen JDM. Dark Tetrad personality traits, paraphilic interests, and the role of impulsivity: an EEG-study using a Go/No-Go paradigm. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10884. [PMID: 38740864 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61214-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Maladaptive personality traits, such as 'dark personalities' are found to result in a diverse set of negative outcomes, including paraphilic interests and associated (illegal) behaviors. It is however unclear how these are exactly related, and if related, if then only those individuals higher on dark personality traits and higher impulsivity engage in paraphilic behaviors. In the current study, 50 participants were recruited to investigate the relationship between Dark Tetrad personality traits (i.e., narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism and everyday sadism), paraphilic interests (arousal and behavior) and the moderating role of impulsivity. Personality and paraphilic interests were investigated through self-report questionnaires. Impulsivity was measured both through self-reported dysfunctional impulsivity and the P3 event related potential using electroencephalography during the Go/No-Go task (i.e. response inhibition). The results showed that there was a positive association between psychopathy, sadism and paraphilic interests. Whereas everyday sadism was associated with paraphilic (self-reported) arousal, psychopathy was associated with paraphilic behavior. Although P3 amplitude was not associated with paraphilic interests, self-reported dysfunctional impulsivity was associated with paraphilic behavior specifically. However, there was no moderating role of dysfunctional impulsivity and response inhibition (P3) in the relationship between psychopathy and paraphilic behavior. Findings indicate that the relation between specific dark personalities and paraphilic interests may be more complex than initially thought. Nevertheless, risk assessment and intervention approaches for paraphilia and related behavior both may benefit from incorporating Dark Tetrad and impulsivity measurements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Lassche
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burg. Oudlaan 50, 3062 PA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Luca Lasogga
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burg. Oudlaan 50, 3062 PA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Melissa S de Roos
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burg. Oudlaan 50, 3062 PA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amber Leeflang
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burg. Oudlaan 50, 3062 PA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vanesa Ajazi
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burg. Oudlaan 50, 3062 PA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Magda Axioti
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burg. Oudlaan 50, 3062 PA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Rassin
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burg. Oudlaan 50, 3062 PA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Josanne D M van Dongen
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burg. Oudlaan 50, 3062 PA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Turner D, Gregório Hertz P, Biedermann L, Barra S, Retz W. Paraphilic fantasies and behavior in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and their association with hypersexuality. Int J Impot Res 2024:10.1038/s41443-024-00891-w. [PMID: 38637719 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-024-00891-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Previous research has found some peculiarities in sexual functioning of adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Using a set of questionnaires that had to be answered online, we assessed the prevalence of paraphilic fantasies and behaviors in a sample of 160 adults with ADHD in comparison to 75 adults without ADHD and evaluated the association between paraphilias and hypersexuality in the ADHD group. Both groups reported high rates of paraphilic fantasies and behaviors. ADHD individuals were more likely to report about very sexually arousing paraphilic fantasies (ADHD: 58.2% vs. non-ADHD: 40.5%; χ2 = 6.323, p = 0.01) and behaviors (ADHD: 44.9% vs. non-ADHD: 28.4%; χ2 = 5.774, p = 0.02). Furthermore, ADHD individuals reported on average about more very sexually arousing paraphilic behaviors compared to non-ADHD individuals (ADHD: M = 1.28, SD = 0.10 vs. non-ADHD: M = 0.81, SD = 0.09; T = 2.68, p < 0.01). Furthermore, in ADHD individuals both very sexually arousing paraphilic interests in masturbation fantasies (r(158) = 0.17, p = 0.03) and in sexual behaviors (r(158) =0.19, p = 0.02) showed a significant correlation with hypersexuality. In non-ADHD individuals no such significant correlation could be found. Altogether, it can be concluded that individuals with ADHD seem to be more prone to develop and act out paraphilic sexuality than those without ADHD, however, found differences were rather small. The results of the present study add to the current trend to depathologize paraphilic sexuality in the general as well as in clinical populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Turner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
| | | | - Laura Biedermann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Steffen Barra
- Institute for Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry, University Medical Center Homburg, Homburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Retz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Institute for Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry, University Medical Center Homburg, Homburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Berman ZL, Fish JN. A Preliminary Exploratory Factor Analysis of the BDSM Counselor Competency Scale. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:1487-1498. [PMID: 38379109 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02788-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BDSM practitioners represent a large sexual minority group often overlooked, misunderstood, and unnecessarily pathologized by mental health clinicians. Although developing cultural competence for diverse and marginalized populations is widely understood to be a core component of delivering efficacious therapeutic services that can counteract these stigmatizing mental healthcare experiences, no measures currently exist that assess clinicians' self-reported competence to work with BDSM practitioners. Previous measurement work has been done to establish self-report competency scales for clinicians working with other sexual and gender minority groups, but no such scales exist for working with BDSM practitioners. In the current study, we adapted a version of the Sexual Orientation Counselor Competency Scale (SOCCS) to measure clinicians' self-reported competence to work with BDSM practitioners and did a preliminary exploratory factor analysis of the new scale (n = 124). After an initial 24-item administration, principal axis factoring of our final 17-item solution revealed two latent factors (attitudes and skills/knowledge) consistent with the 2013 SOCCS and the theoretical constructs of cultural competency. The BDSM Counselor Competency Scale (BDSM-CCS) can help clinicians, practices, agencies, and training programs track self-reported cultural competence with the BDSM population. Future research directions for scale development and clinical and training applications are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Lane Berman
- Department of Family Science, 1142 School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, 2242 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
| | - Jessica N Fish
- Department of Family Science, 1142 School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, 2242 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lister VPM, Gannon TA. A Descriptive Model of Voyeuristic Behavior. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2024; 36:320-348. [PMID: 37019092 PMCID: PMC10880415 DOI: 10.1177/10790632231168072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Over the last 50 years, there has been a plethora of research exploring sexual offending with a recent focus on online offending. However, little research has focused on voyeurism despite convictions and media awareness growing rapidly. Currently, there is sparse theoretical or empirical literature to guide research and practice for individuals engaging in voyeuristic behaviors. As such, 17 incarcerated men with a conviction of voyeurism in the UK were interviewed on the cognitive, affective, behavioral, and contextual factors leading up to and surrounding their offense(s). Grounded theory analyses were used to develop a temporal model from background factors to post-offense factors; the Descriptive Model of Voyeuristic Behavior (DMV). The model highlights vulnerability factors for men engaging in voyeuristic behaviors in this sample. Following this, the same 17 men were plotted through the model and three key pathways were identified: Sexual Gratification, Maladaptive Connection Seeking, and Access to Inappropriate Person(s). The characteristics of each pathway are discussed, and treatment implications considered.
Collapse
|
10
|
Liang W, Zhang Y. The correlation between sadomasochists' experience and their sadomasochistic behaviors and fantasies: A qualitative analysis of interviews. Psych J 2024; 13:295-321. [PMID: 38105564 PMCID: PMC10990812 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Lacking a comprehensive understanding of sadomasochism makes difficulties in judicial dispositions, clinical interventions, and mental health services. This study explores the correlation between sadomasochists' growth experience and their sadomasochistic behaviors and fantasies. We interviewed 51 sadomasochists from a Chinese subcultural website, coded and analyzed the interview records, conducted correlation and cluster analyses on the reference points of the nodes of impressive experience and sadomasochistic behaviors and fantasies, and constructed the model of Experience-Behaviors and Fantasies. We found that sadomasochists' typical impressive experiences are family parenting and sexual experience; sadomasochistic behaviors and fantasies can be classified into five categories: spirit, punishment, sex, canine, and excretion; and sadomasochistic behaviors and fantasies are partially correlated with sadomasochists' impressive experiences, indicating psychoanalytic theory is the leading theory for the driving processes of sadomasochism, while behaviorist and Gestalt theories also contribute.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanying Liang
- Key Laboratory of Mental HealthInstitute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Mental HealthInstitute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
de Roos MS, Longpré N, van Dongen JDM. When Kinks Come to Life: An Exploration of Paraphilic Behaviors and Underlying Predictors. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38416411 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2024.2319242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Paraphilia is defined as a condition in which sexual excitement relies on fantasizing about and/or participating in unusual sexual behavior. Although recent studies have assessed the concordance between paraphilic interests and paraphilic behaviors, few studies have studied which individual traits and demographics predict engaging in paraphilic behaviors, or the level of concordance between arousal and behavior. The current study replicated and expanded Joyal and Carpentier's 2022 study. We assessed concordance between paraphilic arousal and behavior. Further, we assessed the impact of Dark Tetrad traits, impulsivity, social desirability and demographic variables on engaging in paraphilic behaviors using self-report questionnaires in a sample from the general population and FetLife. Finally, we were interested in whether these individual differences moderated the concordance between arousal and behavior. Results indicated high concordance between paraphilic arousal and behavior for all paraphilias except pedophilia and hebephilia. Younger, male participants were more likely to engage in various paraphilias than women and older participants. Machiavellianism was linked with lower paraphilic behavior, particularly impulsive or risky ones. Psychopathy predicted engaging in more deviant or illegal paraphilias, whereas sadism only showed an association for engaging in frotteurism and narcissism was not a predictor for engaging in any paraphilia. For several paraphilias, individual traits moderated the effect of arousal on behavior. Implications of these findings and future directions are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa S de Roos
- Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam
| | | | - J D M van Dongen
- Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jeglic EL, Winters GM, Steedman LA. The Sexual Grooming Behaviors of Youth Who Engage in Harmful Sexual Behaviors. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2024:1-30. [PMID: 38402629 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2024.2321275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Little is known about the extent to which youths who commit harmful sexual behaviors (HSBs) against another minor utilize sexual grooming during the offense process. This study examined sexual grooming behaviors reported by adults (n = 250) who experienced HSBs by another minor during their childhood. Participants completed a self-report survey which included the Sexual Grooming Scale - Victim Version (SGS-V). The results showed that most participants (n = 242; 96.9%) reported at least one sexual grooming behavior, with an average of 11.3 behaviors reported. These findings will be discussed as they pertain to the identification and prevention of HSBs among youth.
Collapse
|
13
|
Nolin MC, Daspe MÈ, Bőthe B, Brassard A, Joyal C, Vaillancourt-Morel MP. Associations Between Contents of Pornography and Sexual Satisfaction and Function Among Young Adults. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38319285 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2024.2311874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Pornography offers a wide variety of sexual contents and has documented potential positive (e.g., higher sexual satisfaction) and negative associations (e.g., lower sexual function) with sexuality. The aims of this study were to describe the proportion of use of five different contents of pornography (i.e. group sex, passion and romance, gender-bending, taboo transgression and forbidden sex, power, control, and rough sex pornography), to examine gender-based differences in the frequency of use of these contents, and to examine the associations between the frequency of use of these contents and sexual satisfaction and function, considering potential differences among genders and individuals with and without a romantic or sexual partner, and controlling for frequency of masturbation. A sample of 827 young adults (503 women; Mage = 23.44) completed online self-report questionnaires. Results of path analysis indicated that, controlling for frequency of masturbation, the use of passion and romance pornography was associated with higher sexual satisfaction, whereas the use of power, control, and rough sex pornography was associated with lower sexual satisfaction. Cisgender men's use of power, control, and rough sex pornography was also associated with lower sexual function. These findings suggest different associations between pornography use and sexual satisfaction and function depending on the pornographic contents used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Beáta Bőthe
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal
| | | | - Christian Joyal
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kimberley ML, Jones SA, Elliott JM. A Content Analysis of Reasons for Disclosing Sexual Fantasies and Partner Responses. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38315824 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2024.2310085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify some of the reasons held by participants for either disclosing or concealing a sexual fantasy. Participants were asked to describe either how their partner responded to a disclosure or (for those reporting on an undisclosed sexual fantasy) how they anticipated that their partner was likely to respond. A mixed-methods approach was employed. Two hundred and eighty-seven participants were surveyed about their reasons for disclosing/concealing fantasies and either their actual or anticipated disclosure experiences. The majority of participants (69.3%) indicated having disclosed a sexual fantasy at some point in their relationship. Five categories of reasons for disclosing/not disclosing a sexual fantasy were generated through descriptive content analysis. These categories were sexual gratification, relationship-motivated, partner traits or characteristics, communication patterns, and specific fantasy content. Participant descriptions of their partner's response to the disclosure of their sexual fantasy were frequently coded as positive. For those describing how they believed their partner would be likely to respond to the disclosure of reported sexual fantasy, these anticipated responses were often coded as negative. The findings of the current study deepen our understanding of sexual fantasy disclosure and highlight some of the reasons held for either disclosing or concealing sexual fantasies. More widely, these findings may have implications for sex education, furthering our understanding of sexual dysfunction and sex/relationship therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Kimberley
- Department of Psychology, Staffordshire University
- Department of Psychology, Birmingham City University
| | - Samuel A Jones
- Department of Psychology, Staffordshire University
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Arnone JM, Conti RP, Preckajlo JH. Coprophilia and Coprophagia: A Literature Review. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc 2024; 30:8-16. [PMID: 38050323 DOI: 10.1177/10783903231214265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coprophilia and coprophagia are distinct paraphilias that fall under the category of other specified paraphilic disorders in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Coprophilia refers to sexual excitement from viewing, smelling, or handling feces, as well as fantasizing about another person engaging in these activities. Coprophagia, or eating one's own or another person's excrement, has also been observed in some patients with coprophilia. AIMS The purposes of this review are to examine the current literature on the etiology, symptoms, interviewing techniques, pharmacotherapy, and psychotherapy used for each disorder and to elicit best practice guidelines in the treatment of patients with coprophila and coprophagia. METHODS Electronic and hand searches were initiated using CINAHL, EBSCOhost, SAGEpub, and MEDLINE databases between 1990 and 2022 using the terms "coprophilia," "coprophagia," "paraphilia NOS," and "other specified paraphilic disorder" restricted to English. RESULTS Individual case reports and limited studies were found in this literature. Reported treatment protocols included individual and tandem use of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, with mixed outcomes. Future studies are needed to explore the factors that mitigate the paraphilias, therapeutic management, and treatment outcomes, to produce evidence-based practice treatment guidelines. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the psychological and biological factors that may contribute to these disorders' manifestations may portend a greater understanding and insight into the genesis of the paraphilias. Having specific evidence-based treatment protocols will afford the psychiatric nurse practitioner to render patient-centered, safe, and culturally competent care and effect better patient outcomes among this understudied population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joseph H Preckajlo
- Joseph H. Preckajlo, MA, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gauthier A, Deli C, Garant E, Proulx J. Inadequate Coping Strategies of Men who Have Committed Sexual Aggression Against Women: A Study of Their Developmental Antecedents. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2023:10790632231210534. [PMID: 37933142 DOI: 10.1177/10790632231210534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Several researchers have found that men who have committed sexual aggression have inadequate coping strategies (e.g., paraphilic sexual fantasies, substance abuse). However, very few researchers have empirically examined the factors potentially associated with the development of these strategies. In 2011, Maniglio hypothesized that the inadequate coping strategies of men who have committed sexual aggression are the result of childhood victimization, mediated by internalized psychological problems. The present study therefore empirically tested this hypothesis in a Canadian sample of 205 men who had committed sexual aggression against women, of whom 37 committed sexual murder. Structural equation modeling (SEM) resulted in the identification of several direct and indirect trajectories leading from childhood victimization (psychological, physical, sexual) to the development of inadequate coping strategies (paraphilic sexual fantasies, alcohol and drug use) mediated by internalized psychological problems (e.g., anxiety, depression, social isolation). The theoretical and clinical implications of these developmental trajectories are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Gauthier
- School of Criminology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Institut national de psychiatrie légale Philippe-Pinel, Montreal, QC, Canada
- International Centre of Comparative Criminology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Caroline Deli
- School of Criminology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- International Centre of Comparative Criminology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Etienne Garant
- School of Criminology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- International Centre of Comparative Criminology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean Proulx
- School of Criminology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Institut national de psychiatrie légale Philippe-Pinel, Montreal, QC, Canada
- International Centre of Comparative Criminology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Thatcher AS, Wallace L, Fido D. Psychopathic Personality as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Atypical Sexuality and Sexual Coercion Proclivity in the General Population. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2023:10790632231205799. [PMID: 37856577 DOI: 10.1177/10790632231205799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Being sexually coerced can have long-lasting psychological impacts on victims; with perpetration strongly predicted by elevated psychopathic traits. Owing to recent legislative developments in the United Kingdom that criminalize coercive control under the Domestic Abuse Act (2021), this study offers a timely investigation into the mechanisms of sexual coercion in domestic abuse across sexual abuse and coercive control. We used moderation analysis (n = 405) to investigate whether sexual coercion proclivity was predicted by facets of atypical sexuality (non-clinical elevated levels of sex drive, sexual sadism, and sexual masochism), and whether this relationship was moderated by psychopathic personality traits specifically the factor one components, which encompasses interpersonal and affective characteristics. Psychopathic personality traits significantly moderated the positive association between sex drive and sexual coercion proclivity, and between sexual sadism and sexual coercion proclivity in males (but not females), but psychopathic personality traits had no such moderating effect in the sexual masochism model. Results are discussed in terms of identifying risk factors of sexual coercion within a general population sample and international application. Open data and a preprint of this paper are available at [https://osf.io/xkcah/?view_only=134ff9c93ad24ba286515b348ce79c0c].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Louise Wallace
- University of Derby, Derby, UK
- University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hsu KJ, Bailey JM. Sexual Orientation, Sexual Motivation, and Erotic Target Identity Inversions in Male Adult Baby/Diaper Lovers. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:2385-2401. [PMID: 36877320 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02564-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Adult baby/diaper lovers (AB/DLs) enjoy role-playing as babies and/or wearing diapers. They also engage in other related activities, such as urinating or defecating themselves and having an adult care for them. Previous surveys have revealed that AB/DLs commonly report sexual motivation, a finding that is corroborated by case reports in the psychiatric literature and some media interviews. The fact that AB/DLs change their appearance and behavior to become more like babies raises the possibility that they have an erotic target identity inversion (ETII). In ETIIs, a person's external erotic target is inverted into the self, resulting in sexual arousal by the fantasy of being a member of the target class or by imitating one. If AB/DLs are sexually motivated by an ETII, they should experience both sexual attraction to babies and sexual arousal by the fantasy of being a baby. We surveyed 207 male AB/DLs recruited from the Internet about their sexual orientation, sexual motivation, and sexual interests for a primarily quantitative analysis. Consistent with past research, a substantial minority of participants reported non-heterosexual identities (42%), and a large majority reported some degree of sexual motivation for being AB/DLs (93%). Wearing diapers and urinating or defecating oneself were rated as especially sexual. Even though 40% of participants reported sexual arousal by the fantasy of being a baby, only 4% reported sexual attraction to babies. This pattern of results is contrary to predictions from the concept of ETIIs. Instead, participants indicated that physical or mental pain, humiliation, and an adult woman were important to their sexual fantasies of being a baby. Masochism appears to be a promising alternative to an ETII for explaining the sexual motivation of AB/DLs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Hsu
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Department of Psychological and Social Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, 1600 Woodland Road, Abington, PA, 19001, USA.
| | - J Michael Bailey
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Jeglic EL, Winters GM. The Role of Technology in the Perpetration of Childhood Sexual Abuse: The Importance of Considering Both In-Person and Online Interactions. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1306. [PMID: 37628305 PMCID: PMC10453250 DOI: 10.3390/children10081306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a pervasive global problem. To date, prevention efforts have largely focused on legislative efforts, parent and child education, and environmental protections. Due to the proliferation of the Internet, and especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, recent prevention efforts have focused on online CSA. However, the extent to which technology is being used in the perpetration of in-person, contact CSA remains unclear. This study examined the role of technology in the perpetration of in-person, contact CSA using a sample of 332 adult CSA survivors who completed an anonymous online survey. Overall, we found that only 8.5% of the sample reported that they met the perpetrator online through social media, chatrooms, and other online applications. When looking at the role of technology in the perpetration of the abuse, 35% reported texting with the perpetrator, 27% reported engaging in online chats, and 33% spoke to the perpetrator on the phone. Few participants reported sending (11%) or receiving (13%) photographs or videos that were sexual in nature. Technology use was reported more frequently in CSA involving adolescents than CSA involving children aged 12 and under. There were no differences in the use of technology based on the age of the person who perpetrated the CSA. These findings will be discussed as they pertain to prevention efforts for CSA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth L Jeglic
- Department of Psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, NY 10019, USA
| | - Georgia M Winters
- School of Psychology and Counseling, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ 07666, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kurvits L, Tozdan S, Mainka T, Münchau A, Müller-Vahl KR, Cavanna AE, Briken P, Ganos C. Compulsive sexual behavior and paraphilic interests in adults with chronic tic disorders and Tourette syndrome: a survey-based study. Int J Impot Res 2023:10.1038/s41443-023-00729-x. [PMID: 37468536 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-023-00729-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Early research suggested that compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) and paraphilic interests (PI) are more prevalent in adults with primary tic disorders compared to the general population. However, recent data on this topic remain scarce. We conducted an anonymous online survey capturing data on CSB and PI in adult patients with primary tic disorders. We also explored the role of antipsychotic tic medication and the impact of neuropsychiatric comorbidities like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and depression. In total, 62 participants (26 females/36 males) completed the survey. The prevalence of CSB and PI were 12.9% and 19.4%, respectively. There was no association with antipsychotic medication nor with symptoms of depression. However, the presence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder was associated with a higher prevalence of both CSB and PI. The current results contrast with earlier reports and show that in adults with primary tic disorders, the prevalence of CSB and PI is not overly prominent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lille Kurvits
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Safiye Tozdan
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tina Mainka
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Münchau
- Institute of Systems Motor Science, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Kirsten R Müller-Vahl
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andrea E Cavanna
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
- University College London and Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Peer Briken
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christos Ganos
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sprott RA, Herbitter C, Grant P, Moser C, Kleinplatz PJ. Clinical Guidelines for Working with Clients Involved in Kink. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2023; 49:978-995. [PMID: 37439228 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2023.2232801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
People involved in kink (BDSM or fetish) subcultures often encounter stigma and bias in healthcare settings or when seeking psychotherapy. Such individuals typically encounter well-meaning clinicians who are not prepared to provide culturally competent care or who have not recognized their own biases. Over a two-year period, a team of 20 experienced clinicians and researchers created clinical practice guidelines for working with people involved with kink, incorporating an extensive literature review and documentation of clinical expertise. This article summarizes the guidelines and discusses relevant issues facing clinicians and their clients, as well as implications for clinical practice, research and training.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Sprott
- Human Development and Women's Studies, California State University, East Bay, CA, USA
| | - Cara Herbitter
- School of Medicine, Veteran Affairs Boston Healthcare System Boston University, West Roxbury, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, US
| | - Patrick Grant
- Clinical Psychology, Michael E. Debakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, USA
| | - Charles Moser
- Diverse Sexualities Research and Education Institute (DSREI.org), San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Bailey JM, Hsu KJ, Jang HH. Elaborating and Testing Erotic Target Identity Inversion Theory in Three Paraphilic Samples. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023:10.1007/s10508-023-02647-x. [PMID: 37415028 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02647-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Some men sexually attracted to types of persons (e.g., women) or things (e.g., animals) also have internalized sexual attractions: sexual arousal by the idea of being the type of person or thing to whom they are attracted. Consequently, some of these men develop erotic target identity inversions, in which they imitate, yearn to be, or identify as an instance of their erotic target. Erotic Target Identity Inversion Theory predicts that for every external erotic target to which men are attracted, a subset of men will develop an internalized sexual attraction, which may cause an erotic target identity inversion. We examined these predictions in Internet surveys of three samples of men with paraphilic sexual interests: 322 men attracted to amputees, 1501 men attracted to animals, and 402 men attracted to severely obese persons. All samples included substantial minorities of men reporting internalized sexual attractions and erotic target identity inversions specific to their external sexual attractions (e.g., men attracted to amputees who are also aroused by the fantasy of being amputees and wish to become amputees). The correlation between degree of each internalized sexual attraction and degree of its corresponding erotic target identity inversion was approximately 1.0 after correction for attenuation. In each sample, participants' specific internalized sexual attraction was positively correlated with autogynephilia, likely the most common internalized sexual attraction in men. Erotic Target Identity Inversion Theory can potentially explain a variety of otherwise puzzling phenomena, including transgender identity among female-attracted natal males and men seeking amputations of healthy limbs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Bailey
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, 2029 Sheridan Rd., Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
| | - Kevin J Hsu
- Department of Psychological and Social Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, Abington, PA, USA
| | - Henry H Jang
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Reynish TD, Hoang H, Bridgman H, Easpaig BNG. Kink-Oriented People and Exogenous Oppressions: Understanding Mental Health and Related Service Use in a Rural Context. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2023; 70:1479-1502. [PMID: 35113001 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2036531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Rural, kink-oriented people experience much exogenous oppression and yet related research is scarce. This study examined the risk and protective factors of kink-oriented rural Tasmanian Australians with preexisting mental health conditions and help-seeking barriers and facilitators. Participants completed either an online survey (n = 42), an interview (n = 10), or both. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the qualitative and quantitative data, respectively. Participants aged 18 to 61 were gender and sexually diverse and better educated but had more lifetime suicide attempts than the general public. Despite the increasing normalization of kink, 90.5% of participants have never seen a kink-aware mental health professional (MHP) and nearly 83.0% did not disclose to an MHP for fear of stigma or discrimination. Self-awareness, resilience, social support and kink improved participants' mental health. Tailored support from trained MHP is vital to improve the mental health of kink-oriented people in rural areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara D Reynish
- Centre for Rural Health, College of Health and Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Ha Hoang
- Centre for Rural Health, College of Health and Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Heather Bridgman
- Centre for Rural Health, College of Health and Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Bróna Nic Giolla Easpaig
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience & Implement Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
La Corte JC. "Classifying D/s Profiles Without Prior Assumptions: An Application of Cluster Analysis to Social Data". JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2023; 70:1549-1584. [PMID: 35166194 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2036534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Dominant/submissive role-play (D/s) is associated with specialized roles including Mistress, Master, Slave, Switch, Sadist, and Masochist. The current study uses cluster analysis to provide empirical evidence that no binary opposition or single spectrum constitutes a workable typology of individuals based on their affinities for these roles. The optimality of a particular choice of clustering scheme, including the number of clusters, is established using a replication technique which is presented in detail. A large number (n = 236,353) of individualized results (profiles) generated by the BDSM Test, a popular anonymous web survey, were analyzed. We hypothesize a two-dimensional typology of D/s profiles as the inferential result of our cluster analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie C La Corte
- Department of Mathematics, Computer Science & Engineering, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Chan HC(O. Youth sexual offending in Hong Kong: examining the role of self-control, risky sexual behaviors, and paraphilic interests. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1143271. [PMID: 37377476 PMCID: PMC10292797 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1143271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Little is known about the nature and prevalence of sexual offending among youth in Hong Kong. Methods Testing self-control theory and sexual health risk factors (i.e., risky sexual behaviors [general and two subtypes] and paraphilic interests [general and 14 subtypes]), the prevalence of self-reported sexual offending behaviors (i.e., threat of sexual assault, penetrative sexual assault, and nonpenetrative sexual offense) was examined in a community-based sample of 863 young people (aged 17 to 20) in Hong Kong. Results In this study, men reported significantly higher levels of threat of sexual assault and of general and 12 subtypes of paraphilic interests than women; and women reported a significantly higher level of a specific paraphilic interest subtype (i.e., transvestic fetishism) than men. Logistic regressions found that, in general, a low level of self-control and high levels of risky sexual behaviors and paraphilic interests were important factors in the participants' likelihood of issuing threats of sexual assault and engaging in penetrative and nonpenetrative sexual assault. Discussion Important practical implications for reducing the tendency of young people to engage in sexual offending behavior can be derived from this study.
Collapse
|
26
|
Allen A, McKillop N, Katsikitis M, Millear P. The effects of bilateral stimulation using eye movements on sexual fantasies with follow-up. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2023; 79:101826. [PMID: 36521200 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2022.101826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Sexual fantasies represent a common aspect of human sexuality that can support sexual well-being but also contribute to psychopathology. The latter warrants intervention and bilateral stimulation with eye movements (EMs) may be a suitable intervention for impairing mental imagery of sexual fantasies. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of multiple rounds of EMs on sexual fantasies, gauge the effect over time with a one-week follow-up, and assess how impaired sexual imagery may influence behaviour and behavioural intention. METHODS Twenty-eight participants (14 male, Mage = 44.10, SDage = 9.77) selected a favoured sexual fantasy and engaged in five repeated rounds of an EM task, either face-to-face or via telehealth. Baseline phenomenological characteristics of sexual fantasies were compared against repeated measures after each round of EMs and at one-week follow-up, as well as hypothetical behavioural intention and frequency of fantasy masturbation. RESULTS All sexual fantasy characteristics (e.g., vividness, sensations, arousal, believability) diminished progressively between each round of EMs. These characteristics increased from round five to follow-up. However, they remained significantly reduced compared to baseline. Participants' hypothetical behavioural intention and frequency of masturbation associated with their sexual fantasies also reduced post-EM task. LIMITATIONS Use of self-report measures; participants' mental imagery could not be measured directly; and no comparison groups were included. CONCLUSIONS As an imagery impairing task, bilateral stimulation with EMs is effective for diminishing the phenomenological properties of sexual fantasies, extending upon extant literature. Collectively, the progressive research regarding EMs and sexual fantasies encourages replication in specific populations (e.g., individuals with problematic or harmful sexual fantasies).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Allen
- Sunshine Coast Mind & Neuroscience - Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, 12 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya, Queensland, 4575, Australia; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556, Australia.
| | - Nadine McKillop
- Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit, School of Law & Society, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556, Australia
| | - Mary Katsikitis
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Prudence Millear
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Molen LV, Ronis ST, Benoit AA. Paraphilic Interests Versus Behaviors: Factors that Distinguish Individuals Who Act on Paraphilic Interests From Individuals Who Refrain. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2023; 35:403-427. [PMID: 35699951 DOI: 10.1177/10790632221108949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about distinct factors linked with acting on paraphilic interests or refraining from engaging in paraphilic behaviors. Participants from Canada and the United States (N = 744), aged 19-42 years (M = 29.2; SD = 3.18), were recruited through Amazon's Mechanical Turk. Participants completed questionnaires about their paraphilic interests and behaviors, as well as potential key factors linked to behavioral engagement (i.e., perceptions of consent, sexual excitation/inhibition, impulsivity, moral disengagement, empathy). Results indicated that higher moral disengagement and impulsivity, lower sexual control (i.e., high sexual excitation, low sexual inhibition), and maladaptive understandings of consent were best able to differentiate individuals who reported highly stigmatized (e.g., hebephilia, pedophilia, coprophilia) or Bondage and Dicipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism and Masochism(BDSM)/Fetish paraphilic interests and engagement in the paraphilic behaviours associated with these interests relative to individuals who did not report such paraphilic interests or behaviors. Moreover, higher moral disengagement, impulsivity, and maladaptive perceptions of consent were best able to differentiate non-consensual paraphilic interests and behaviours (e.g., voyeurism, exhibitionism) compared to individuals who did not report these paraphilic interests or behaviours. These results provide future directions for the exploration of mechanisms that may contribute to engagement in paraphilic behaviors and may be targets for intervention aimed at preventing engagement in potentially harmful paraphilias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Scott T Ronis
- University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada
| | - Aryn A Benoit
- University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Brown A, Barker ED, Rahman Q. Psychological and Developmental Correlates of Paraphilic and Normophilic Sexual Interests. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2023; 35:428-464. [PMID: 36063449 DOI: 10.1177/10790632221120013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The classification of sexual fantasies and behaviors (here referred to as 'sexual interests') has historically been divided into 'paraphilic' and 'normophilic'. However, studies on paraphilic interests are often limited to clinical or forensic samples and normophilic interests are rarely assessed in tandem. Previous research has found mixed results for psychological and other correlates of sexual interests, potentially due to inconsistency in operationalism and measurement of fantasies and behaviors. The aim of the current study was to quantify correlates of sexual interests via the Sexual Fantasies and Behaviors Inventory, containing factors related to general fantasies/behaviors, normophilia, power dynamics, sadomasochism, and courtship paraphilias, using a large (N = 4280) non-clinical sample. Psychological, developmental, sexual, and demographic correlates were investigated via bivariate correlations, mean difference testing, and multiple regression. Sexual interest domains were largely unrelated to psychopathology and developmental factors. Sociosexuality and more accepting attitudes towards sadomasochism was generally related to more arousal to/engagement in normophilic and paraphilic domains. More autism spectrum disorder traits were related to decreased normophilic interests. Psychopathic traits, sexual sensation seeking, and sexual compulsivity were related to paraphilia dimensions, especially courtship paraphilias and domination/sadism; the former was also associated with negative attitudes about establishing consent. Men, non-monogamous, and non-heterosexual participants indicated greater sexual fantasies and behaviors compared to women (except in the case of submission and masochism), monogamous, and heterosexual participants, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Brown
- Psychology Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Edward D Barker
- Psychology Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Qazi Rahman
- Psychology Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Allen A, Millear P, McKillop N, Katsikitis M. Sexual Fantasies and Harmful Sexual Interests: Exploring Differences in Sexual Memory Intensity and Sexual Fantasy Characteristics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2023; 67:835-860. [PMID: 35354408 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x221086580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The perpetration of harmful sexual behavior is a global concern, with deviant sexual fantasies identified as a prominent etiological risk factor. However, the concepts of state sexual fantasy characteristics (e.g., vividness and emotionality) and associated trait sexual memory intensity have received minimal investigation concerning harmful sexual interests, formulating the impetus for this research. Two online surveys were conducted in community populations. Study 1 (N = 414) aimed to validate the psychometric properties of a trait sexual memory intensity scale (SMIS) through principal components analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and evaluation of concurrent validity. Study 2 (N = 820) endeavored to explore associations between state sexual fantasy characteristics and cognitive-behavior variables (e.g., frequency of masturbation to a reported fantasy), and evaluate differences in fantasy characteristics and SMIS scores between participants with and without harmful sexual interests. Collectively, results supported the factor structure, concurrent validity, and internal consistency of the SMIS, while revealing significant associations between the SMIS, sexual fantasy characteristics, and several variables. Significant differences in sexual fantasy characteristics and SMIS scores were evident but variable among harmful sexual interests. Findings encourage the consideration and research of interventions focused on impairing mental imagery and memory in the management of harmful sexual interests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Allen
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Nadine McKillop
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Drouin M, Hernandez E, Machette A, Garcia JR, Boyd RL. An exploration of marks/injuries related to BDSM sexual experiences. Sex Med 2023; 11:qfad020. [PMID: 37273891 PMCID: PMC10236207 DOI: 10.1093/sexmed/qfad020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite its growing prevalence, BDSM practice (bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, and sadomasochism) is still stigmatized, and little is known about the physical marks and injuries that individuals sustain from consensual BDSM-related activities. Aim In this exploratory study, we examined BDSM sexual experiences and the physical marks and injuries resulting from these experiences in a convenience sample of 513 US adults. Methods We examined the extent to which individuals at various stages of BDSM exploration engage with different types of BDSM and kink behaviors, along with the frequency with which they communicate about, inflict, and receive physical marks from these activities. Outcomes Our main outcome measures were intentional and unintentional marks sustained from BDSM-related activities, BDSM experiences, and the use of safe words. Results Results revealed that BDSM marks and injuries are common and quite varied (from small scratches to very large bruises) and unintentional and intentional marks differ in terms of typical size, place on body, and severity of injury. Additionally, BDSM experience is positively associated with the use of safe words and marking behaviors. Clinical Translation Disclosure of marks and injuries, intentional and unintentional, may be improved if health care providers are aware of, and make efforts to reduce stigma surrounding, BDSM and rough sex activity. Strengths and Limitations The findings of this study must be interpreted with acknowledgment of the limitations that it was a survey study with a convenience sample. However, as one of the few studies exploring the marks and injuries sustained from BDSM activities, the exploration of intentional and unintentional marks sustained provides a critical starting point for future examination of BDSM consequences that intersect with health care and the law. Conclusion Marks and injuries from BDSM-related activities are common, and despite the greater use of safe words, practitioners with more BDSM experience inflict more marks than those with less BDSM experience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Drouin
- Health Services and Informatics Research, Parkview Health, Fort Wayne, IN 46845, United States
- Department of Psychology, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN 46805, United States
| | - Ellis Hernandez
- Department of Psychology, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN 46805, United States
| | - Anthony Machette
- Department of Communication, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, United States
| | - Justin R Garcia
- Kinsey Institute and Department of Gender Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
| | - Ryan L Boyd
- Obelus Institute, Washington, DC 20036, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Birke J, Bondü R. From Fantasy to Reality: Self-Reported Aggression-Related Sexual Fantasies Predict Sexually Sadistic Behavior beyond Indirect and Direct Measures of Sexual Preference. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023; 60:558-573. [PMID: 35040707 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.2022588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Aggression-related sexual fantasies (ASF) have been related to various forms of harmful sexual behavior in both sex offender and community samples. However, more research is needed to fully understand this relation, particularly whether ASF is associated with harmful sexual behavior beyond hostile sexism against women and a sexual preference for violence and sexual violence. In the present study, N = 428 participants (61.9% women) between 18 and 83 years of age (M = 28.17, SD = 9.7) reported their ASF and hostile sexism. They rated their sexual arousal by erotic, violent, and sexually violent pictures as a direct measure of sexual preference. Response latencies between stimulus presentation and arousal ratings were used as an indirect measure of sexual preference. ASF and the directly and indirectly assessed sexual preference for violent and sexually violent stimuli were positively correlated. They were unrelated to hostile sexism against women. ASF showed the strongest associations with self-reported sexually sadistic behavior and presumably non-consensual sexual sadism beyond these preferences and hostile sexism in the total group and separately among men and women. The findings indicate that ASF and sexual preference are not equivalent constructs and further underscore the potential relevance of ASF for harmful sexual behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Birke
- Department of Psychology, Psychologische Hochschule Berlin
- Department of Psychology, University of Potsdam
| | - Rebecca Bondü
- Department of Psychology, Psychologische Hochschule Berlin
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Winters GM, Jeglic EL, Kaylor LE. The Development, Content Validation, and Pilot Testing of the Paraphilic Interests and Disorders Scale. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2023; 35:131-163. [PMID: 35400225 DOI: 10.1177/10790632221078297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence rates of paraphilic interests and disorders in the general population have been understudied, in large part due to the lack of a standardized assessment measure. As a result, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5 provides little information regarding the prevalence of paraphilic disorders. The present study involved the development of a self-report measure, Paraphilic Interests and Disorders Scale (PIDS), that can be used to assess for the eight paraphilic interests/disorders in the DSM-5 for use with general population samples. Study 1 established the content validity of the PIDS using feedback from 22 experts in the field, and recommendations from these experts were utilized to modify the measure. In Study 2, the PIDS was piloted on 100 individuals in the general population, which supported the feasibility of implementation and its limited-efficacy. While the PIDS requires further psychometric support, the current research suggests the PIDS is a promising tool to gather self-report, population-based data on DSM-5 paraphilic interests and disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgia M Winters
- School of Psychology, 7856Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Jeglic
- Psychology Department, 14775John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leah E Kaylor
- Psychology Department, 7547Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Chan HC(O, Myers WC. Risky Sexual Behavior, Paraphilic Interest, and Sexual Offending: The Study of a Community Sample of Young Adults in Hong Kong. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4279. [PMID: 36901292 PMCID: PMC10002374 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Limited information is available on the prevalence and nature of sexual offending in Hong Kong. This cross-sectional study seeks to explore the role of risky sexual behavior (RSB) and paraphilic interests in self-reported sexual offending behavior (i.e., nonpenetrative-only, penetrative-only, and nonpenetrative-plus-penetrative sexual assault) in a community sample of young adults in Hong Kong. Using a large sample (N = 1885) of university students, the lifetime prevalence of self-reported sexual offending was 18% (n = 342; 23% males (n = 166), 15% females (n = 176)). Based on the study subsample of 342 participants who self-reported sexual offending (aged 18-35), the findings indicated that males reported significantly higher levels of general, penetrative-only, nonpenetrative-plus-penetrative sexual assault; and paraphilic interest in voyeurism, frotteurism, biastophilia, scatophilia, and hebephilia than females; while females reported a significantly higher level of transvestic fetishism than males. No significant difference was found in RSB between males and females. Logistic regressions found that the participants who possessed a higher level of RSB, particularly penetrative behaviors, and paraphilic interest in voyeurism and zoophilia were less likely to engage in a nonpenetrative-only sexual offense. Conversely, the participants who possessed higher levels of RSB, especially penetrative behaviors, and paraphilic interest in exhibitionism and zoophilia, were more likely to engage in nonpenetrative-plus-penetrative sexual assault. The implications for practice in areas such as public education and offender rehabilitation are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heng Choon (Oliver) Chan
- Department of Social Policy, Sociology, and Criminology, School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Wade C. Myers
- Division of Forensic Psychiatry, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Stigmatisation of People with Deviant Sexual Interest: A Comparative Study. SEXES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/sexes4010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pedophilia is a deviant sexual interest subject to more public stigma and punitive attitudes than others. Pedophilia has received a disproportionate amount of scholarly attention in comparison to other deviant sexual interests. To address this, the present study offers a comparison of the public stigma and punitive attitudes associated with pedophilia, fetishism, and hypersexuality. Methods: Recruited in Australia, one-hundred and twelve individuals participated in an anonymous online survey. Stigmatising and punitive attitudes toward pedophilia, fetishism, and hypersexuality were assessed via sub-scales of perceived dangerousness, deviance, intentionality, and punitive attitudes. Results: Participants held harsher punitive attitudes toward people with pedophilia and thought them to be more deviant and dangerous than people with fetishism and hypersexuality. Participants perceived hypersexuality to be more dangerous and deviant than fetishism. No consistent combination of perceived dangerousness, deviance, and intentionality predicted punitive attitudes toward all conditions. Rather, combinations of punitive attitude predictors were unique across conditions. Conclusions: This research articulates the unparalleled public stigma and punitive attitudes faced by people with pedophilia, compared to people with fetishism and hypersexuality. Findings which suggest that public stigma is stronger for hypersexuality than it is for fetishism are relatively novel, as are the observed predictors of punitive attitudes toward each condition. Knowledge produced by this study contributes to an improved conceptualisation of how the public views individuals who experience deviant sexual interests.
Collapse
|
35
|
Current biopsychosocial science on understanding kink. Curr Opin Psychol 2022; 48:101473. [PMID: 36274435 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The field of kink (or BDSM) studies has grown significantly in recent years, with several areas of study being initiated. This paper summarizes the current state of kink research, including prevalence rates; marginalization and stigma; key biological, psychological, and social research findings; clinical issues; and recommendations for further research. Theoretical frameworks, such as minority stress, serious leisure, sexual orientation, personal growth, and sensation-seeking theories appear to be useful frameworks outside of approaches that assume psychopathology as an etiological factor. Studies find the following results: higher levels of sensation-seeking; kink activities generating states of flow and transient hypofrontality; notable levels of gender, sexual orientation, and relationship style diversity in kink samples; and higher levels of minority stress-related suicidality.
Collapse
|
36
|
Shport SV, Kamenskov MY, Vvedenskii GE, Demidova LY, Vasiliev NG, Tkachenko AA. Pedophilia: social, legal and medical aspects. Public Health 2022. [DOI: 10.21045/2782-1676-2022-2-4-45-57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sexual abuse against children causes a real public response that supports active discussions on the problem of sexual actions against minors both in the legislation, where new legal norms are proposed to regulate and prevent such offensive behavior, and in the medical community, since in some cases the mechanisms of such offenses are associated with specific forms of mental pathology. The aim of this article was the evaluation of the medical, legal and social aspects associated with pedophilia and its role in criminal sexual behavior. Materials and methods. This review included the most influential works in the field of sexology and sexual pathology, official materials of the World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association, legal and medical statistical reports. In the result this review reveals the place of pedophilia in mental disorders, the necessity of taking into account current data on the prevalence of abnormal sexual interests in population for work with it, as well as the importance of considering sexual crimes against minors in a broader context, the need to develop psychotherapeutic and preventive approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. V. Shport
- FSBI “V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federat
| | - M. Yu. Kamenskov
- FSBI “V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federat
| | - G. E. Vvedenskii
- FSBI “V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federat
| | - L. Yu. Demidova
- FSBI “V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federat
| | - N. G. Vasiliev
- FSBI “V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federat
| | - A. A. Tkachenko
- FSBI “V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federat, FSAEI HE I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University)
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Schippers EE, Smid WJ, Both S, Smit JH. Excitation Transfer Between Sexual Arousal and Other Emotions in a Community Sample. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:3905-3918. [PMID: 35471677 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02235-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Excitation transfer, the transfer of arousal from one emotion to another, might be a mechanism in the development of unusual sexual interests. In this pilot study, we investigated whether we could induce excitation transfer between various emotions and sexual arousal in a laboratory setting with 30 male volunteers. We induced low-level sexual arousal in four different emotional states (aggression/dominance, endearment, fear, disgust) and a neutral state. Sexual arousal was measured using penile plethysmography and self-report. Although there was no mean group effect, possibly due to large interindividual variations, 60% of the subjects showed more sexual arousal in response to sexual stimulation in at least one of the emotional states than in the neutral state. Excitation transfer was most prominent with aggression/dominance and least prominent with disgust. Genital excitation transfer was strongly related to lower penile reactivity and to higher self-reported erotophilia. This pilot study paves the way for further research into excitation transfer as a mechanism to increase the salience of stimuli that otherwise would not have been sexual in nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eveline E Schippers
- Forensic Care Specialists, Oudlaan 9, 3515 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Section Forensic Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Wineke J Smid
- Forensic Care Specialists, Oudlaan 9, 3515 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stephanie Both
- Department of Psychosomatic Gynaecology and Sexology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes H Smit
- Department of Research and Innovation, GGZ INGEEST Specialized Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Public Health, Free University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Fox MH, Seto MC, Refaie N, Lavrinsek S, Hall V, Curry S, Ashbaugh AR, Levaque E, Fedoroff JP, Bradford JM, Lalumière ML. The Relation Between the Paraphilias and Anxiety in Men: A Case-Control Study. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:4063-4084. [PMID: 36201142 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02346-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Despite a multitude of theoretical views, it is still unclear how individuals develop and sustain paraphilic interests (e.g., sexual attraction to children, interest in non-consensual violence). It is also not clear from these views why many paraphilic interests, and especially many paraphilias and paraphilic disorders, are much more common in men than in women. One possible factor affecting male's higher rate of paraphilias is anxiety, because anxiety can potentiate sexual arousal in men. We speculated that paraphilic interests could develop when feelings of anxiety are recurrently generated by atypical sexual stimuli, and when that anxiety repeatedly potentiates sexual arousal, reinforcing sexual response to atypical stimuli. It follows that men with paraphilic interests are susceptible to anxiety disorders, because an anxiety disorder would facilitate the hypothesized developmental process. We conducted a retrospective file review of 1048 consecutive patients (944 male patients retained for analysis) referred to an outpatient sexual behavior clinic at a psychiatric hospital to investigate the link between paraphilias and anxiety. Male patients with a paraphilia had 1.64 greater odds than male patients without a paraphilia of having been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, but they also had elevated rates of many other types of disorders. Therefore, there does not seem to be a specific link between paraphilias and anxiety in this sample. The discovery of a general link between the paraphilias and psychological disorders in men opens new avenues for studying the developmental origins and consequences of male paraphilic interests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie H Fox
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Correctional Service of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael C Seto
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada.
| | - Nabhan Refaie
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, The University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Sofija Lavrinsek
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Victoria Hall
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Susan Curry
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
| | | | - Enya Levaque
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - J Paul Fedoroff
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
- The Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, Brockville, ON, Canada
| | - John M Bradford
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
- St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Martin L Lalumière
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Dark personalities and general masochistic tendencies: Their relationships to giving and receiving sexualized pain. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2022; 230:103715. [PMID: 35994897 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research has shown that a tendency to harm others goes hand in hand with a tendency to harm oneself. The present two studies further supported the notion that the joy of harming others and oneself has a common core by showing positive relationships between dark personality traits (particularly psychopathy) and sexual masochistic preferences and between general masochistic tendencies and sexual sadistic preferences. Despite the overlap between dark personality traits and general masochistic tendencies, they independently predicted the engagement in sexual sadomasochism. These relationships statistically held when controlling for the impact of basic personality (Study 1). Study 2 found that self-enhancement, openness to change, and low conservation values serve as motivators for a person's attraction to sexual sadomasochism and shed some light on the differences between sexual sadomasochism and the Dark Tetrad. Overall, people who score relatively high on dark personalities and masochism are particularly predisposed to engage in sexual sadomasochism, in both the dominant and the submissive roles.
Collapse
|
40
|
Paquette S, Brouillette-Alarie S, Seto MC. Pornography Use, Offense-Supportive Cognitions, Atypical Sexual Interests, and Sexual Offending against Children. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2022; 59:792-804. [PMID: 35020561 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.2023450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The effects of pornography are hotly debated in the scientific literature, especially its potentially negative influence on sexual offending. While studies do not support direct effects of pornography use on sexual offending, pornography is hypothesized to have a catalytic effect among men who are predisposed to sexually offend due to the presence of other risk factors. Using a sample of 241 men varying in sexual offending history, this study examined the associations of different types of pornography consumption, offense-supportive cognitions, and atypical sexual interests on sexual offending against boys or girls. Bivariate analyses support the idea that people seek pornography that matches their sexual interests. Multivariate analyses revealed that the only type of pornography associated with contact sexual offending against boys or girls was child pornography, as it had incremental validity predicting number of victims beyond offense-supportive cognitions and atypical sexual interests. Moderation analyses suggested that, as hypothesized, child pornography consumption amplifies the effect of sexual interests for boys on sexual offending against boy victims. However, that moderation effect was not found for sexual offending against girls. Clinical and research implications are discussed, focusing on the importance of including measures of pornography consumption within forensic assessment and management protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael C Seto
- Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Health Care Group
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Piccolo EEL, Johnson TW, Wassersug RJ. Castration for Pleasure: Exploring Extreme Castration Ideations in Fiction. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:2337-2351. [PMID: 35556189 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02295-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The Eunuch Archive (EA) is an online community which includes individuals who read and write sexual fantasies with themes related to castration and eunuchs. Here we analyzed the 100 stories rated highest by EA readers among the >8800 currently posted. Our goal was to gain insights into commonalities within, and specifics of, castration sexual fantasies. Simply stated, we want to know what the authors (and readers) fantasize about and why. The most popular EA stories link sexual gratification and romantic partnership with genital abuse. They are characterized by the absence of consent for genital ablations and multiple SM-related paraphilias. Many stories feature attraction to, and ablation of, the genitals of pubescent or adolescent males. Some EA members have acted on their interests and been voluntarily castrated. Others wish to be. The most popular stories in the EA collection typically link the sacrifice via SM abuse to securing a permanent sexual partnership. The idea of sacrificing one's genitals to build dyadic adhesion has been noted before in individuals with extreme castration ideations. Here we identify the common features of sexualized fantasies that are popular among individuals with exceptional interest in castration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas W Johnson
- Department of Anthropology (Emeritus), California State University, Chico, CA, USA
| | - Richard J Wassersug
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Hasanuddin NA, Effendy E. A Case Report of Rare Paraphilic Interest: Emetophilia. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.9194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Paraphilic interest is when sexual arousal occurs in response to objects that are not part of normal sexual arousal. One of the rare paraphilic interests is emetophilia, in which an individual experiences sexual pleasure by observing people vomiting.
Case Report: We report a 29 year old, unmarried woman, who came alone to the psychiatrist due to sexual arousal by observing others vomiting since childhood. The patient has never had sexual intercourse, so she does not know whether this condition affects her sexual activities or not. Meanwhile, she experienced job-related distress due to her illness.
Conclusion: Paraphilic interest or anomalous is one paraphilic disorder form which the person experiences less intense and frequent unusual sexual interest without significant distress or impairment in daily life. In this case, further evaluation concerning this patient’s level of distress, including her sexual intercourse behaviour, was still needed.
Keywords: paraphilia, emetophilia, paraphilic disorder
Collapse
|
43
|
Ó Ciardha C, Ildeniz G, Karoğlu N. The Prevalence of Sexual Interest in Children and Sexually Harmful Behavior Self-Reported by Men Recruited Through an Online Crowdsourcing Platform. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2022; 34:207-226. [PMID: 33993798 PMCID: PMC8848059 DOI: 10.1177/10790632211013811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the feasibility of using crowdsourcing to recruit men who self-report sexual interest in children or sexually problematic behavior involving children. Crowdsourcing refers to the use of the internet to reach a large number of people to complete a specific task. A nonrepresentative sample of men (N = 997) participated in a brief self-report survey examining age of attraction, sexual interest in children, proclivity toward sexual offenses involving children, and history of sexual offending. Almost a quarter of the sample (23.1%) indicated some degree of sexual interest in children, propensity to sexually offend against children, and/or actual offending behavior. We present our data broken down by type of interest or behavior and examine the frequency of these outcomes. Findings are likely to be of value to those considering the viability of crowdsourcing to overcome the limitations or challenges of face-to-face research on stigmatizing interests and behaviors. Findings also contribute to estimating prevalence of self-reported sexual interest in children, and sexual offending behavior toward children, across different countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caoilte Ó Ciardha
- University of Kent, UK
- Caoilte Ó Ciardha, School of Psychology,
Keynes College, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NP, UK.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Joyal CC, Carpentier J. Concordance and Discordance between Paraphilic Interests and Behaviors: A Follow-Up Study. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2022; 59:385-390. [PMID: 34637647 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.1986801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Although paraphilic interests represent significant risk factors for recidivism among sexual offenders, little is known about the magnitude of concordance between paraphilic interests and behaviors in the general population. The goal of this follow-up study was to conduct secondary analyses based on a sample of 1040 adults (475 men; 565 women) recruited in the general population. Levels of associations and active concordance (having both interest and experience), passive concordance (having neither interest nor experience), active discordance (having experience without interest) and passive discordance (having interest without experience) between paraphilic interest and corresponding behavior were assessed. Concordance and discordance indexes were also computed, as well as regressions and moderation analyses. As expected, paraphilic interests predicted corresponding behaviors, although the mean active concordance rate was only approximately 50%. Concordance rates varied with gender and the criminal nature (legal vs. illegal) of paraphilia. Paraphilic interests in adults from the general population may not have the same predictive value as that observed in medico-legal contexts. The possible role of other moderators in the concordance between paraphilic interest and behavior in non-clinical populations should be assessed. These findings have implications for sexual abuse prevention programs aiming at individuals in the community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian C Joyal
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
- International Center of Comparative Criminology
- Philipe-Pinel Institute of Montreal
| | - Julie Carpentier
- International Center of Comparative Criminology
- Philipe-Pinel Institute of Montreal
- Department of Psychoeducation, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Strizzi JM, Øverup CS, Ciprić A, Hald GM, Træen B. BDSM: Does it Hurt or Help Sexual Satisfaction, Relationship Satisfaction, and Relationship Closeness? JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2022; 59:248-257. [PMID: 34279153 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.1950116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This national web-population study from Norway (N = 4,148) assessed 1) the prevalence of BDSM and role-play interests and behaviors, 2) the socio-demographic characteristics of the BDSM-oriented participants, and 3) the associations between a) BDSM and b) role-play interests and behaviors, and sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and relationship closeness. Over one in three study participants endorsed at least one BDSM interest or behavior variable. There were no gender nor educational level differences between the BDSM-oriented participants and their traditional "vanilla" (non-BDSM-oriented) counterparts, though BDSM and interests were more common among younger and self-identified LGBQ+ participants. Sexual satisfaction was positively associated with role-play and BDSM behaviors while interest in role-play (but not having previously engaged in it) was negatively associated with this outcome. Lower relationship closeness was associated with an interest in role-play (but not having tried it). No BDSM-related variables were significantly associated with relationship closeness. The findings suggest that BDSM interests and behaviors are relatively common and are linked with sexual and relationship satisfaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ana Ciprić
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen
| | | | - Bente Træen
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abrams M, Chronos A, Milisavljevic Grdinic M. Childhood abuse and sadomasochism: New insights. SEXOLOGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sexol.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
47
|
Salmon CA, Hehman JA. Perceptions of Sexual Images: Factors Influencing Responses to the Ubiquitous External Ejaculation. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:1271-1280. [PMID: 34773216 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-01993-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The debate over pornography has drawn attention to sex differences not only in the frequency of pornography consumption but also in the different ways males and females may perceive sexually explicit images and respond to them. Some of these differences may be due to sex differences in a variety of factors including sexual strategies and disgust, in particular, disgust related to pathogen avoidance. There is a large literature that focuses on how pathogen avoidance has shaped human behavior from political ideology to in-group/outgroup behavior to sexual risk taking/avoidance. This study examined sex differences in perceptions and how they are influenced by the emotional context of the image as well as individual difference factors, including disgust sensitivity, mate value, sociosexuality, and sexual orientation. Participants viewed a series of sexually explicit images of external ejaculations and rated them in terms of being positive, neutral, or negative. The factors accounting for the greatest variance in perceptions were target affect and sex, sexual orientation, and respondent sex, followed by pathogen and sexual disgust, self-perceived mate value, and sociosexual attitudes and desire.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Salmon
- Psychology Department, University of Redlands, Redlands, CA, 92373, USA.
| | - Jessica A Hehman
- Psychology Department, University of Redlands, Redlands, CA, 92373, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Shor E. Who Seeks Aggression in Pornography? Findings from Interviews with Viewers. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:1237-1255. [PMID: 34750772 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02053-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite the recent proliferation of research on aggression in pornography, we still know relatively little about the preferences and perceptions of viewers themselves. In particular, very little research has examined how women who watch pornography feel when encountering aggression toward women. To explore this question, we conducted interviews with 122 regular pornography viewers (61 women, 60 men, and 1 gender-diverse). Quantitative and qualitative analyses of the data show that the majority of both men and women reported that they did not enjoy aggressive content. However, in contrast to common conceptions among most scholars and pundits, it was women, not men, who were more likely to report being aroused by aggression, mainly consensual aggression toward women, which was perceived as pleasurable. Women were also more likely to report actively seeking for aggression and wanting to see more aggression in mainstream pornography. These findings challenge long-held radical feminist views regarding the preferences of both women and men and offer new insights on the relationship between gender and sexual fantasies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eran Shor
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Levaque E, Dawson SJ, Wan C, Lalumière ML. Sex Drive as a Possible Mediator of the Gender Difference in the Prevalence of Paraphilic Interests in a Nonclinical Sample. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:867-877. [PMID: 34750773 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02074-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
There is a general gender difference in paraphilic interests, such that men report more interest (and greater engagement) in a variety of paraphilic behaviors. Using a nonclinical sample, Dawson et al. (Sexual Abuse, 28(1):20-45, 2016, https://doi.org/10.1177/1079063214525645 ) found that the gender difference in paraphilic interests was eliminated when scores on measures of sex drive were used as mediators. However, their measures of sex drive were about more than just sex drive and included a measure of hypersexuality (i.e., distress, perceived lack of control, and problematic consequences of one's sexuality). This study had two aims: to replicate Dawson et al.'s mediation results (using the same measures and scoring methods), and to discern the effect of sex drive itself (by replacing their measure of hypersexuality with a measure of sex drive). A nonclinical sample of 517 men and 615 women completed an online questionnaire. As expected, men reported less repulsion than women for most paraphilic themes. The gender difference in paraphilic interests was reduced (but not eliminated) both when reproducing Dawson et al.'s analysis and when examining a mediation model focused on sex drive specifically. The same results were obtained when examining the paraphilic interest with the largest gender difference (i.e., voyeurism). A full mediation effect was obtained in an unplanned supplementary analysis using a factor score (derived from eight measures) putatively assessing sex drive. While the main findings are consistent with Dawson et al.'s conclusions that sex drive is a possible mediator, they also suggest that other factors need to be considered to help explain the gender difference in the prevalence of paraphilic interests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enya Levaque
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Samantha J Dawson
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Cynthia Wan
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
- National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Martin L Lalumière
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Berariu FG, Jitaru M, Candel OS. A Brief Report on Fetishism in Romania: An Approach Based on Gender and Sexual Orientation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2021; 34:169-175. [PMID: 38595681 PMCID: PMC10903623 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2021.1974143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Objectives: With this research, we aimed to assess the level of fetishism in Romania, to explore the gender and sexual orientation differences and to inspect its relationship with sexual satisfaction and well-being. Methods: This study analyses data from 525 participants from the non-clinical population. Results: The analyses showed that some levels of fetishism are present in almost 70 % of the sample, that queer participants report higher scores and that it does not impact sexual satisfaction and well-being. Conclusion: These findings can be used for a better understanding of fetishism and its impact by both clinicians and individuals with fetishes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mihaela Jitaru
- Department of Psychology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iaşi, Romania
| | | |
Collapse
|