Chapter 16 Atypical Sexual Behavior

What Constitutes Atypical Sexual Behavior? Paraphilia: uncommon sexual expression Classified as noncoercive vs. coercive paraphilias Behaviors represent extremes on a continuum More males reported and prosecuted Clustering of paraphilias Unconventional behavior may alienate others leading to difficulty in establishing relationships

Non-Coercive Paraphilias Fetishism Sexual arousal primarily from body part or inanimate object Symbolic transformation Rarely harmful to others

Non-Coercive Paraphilias Transvestic Fetishism Sexual arousal from wearing clothes of other sex As a diagnostic category, term is applied only to heterosexual men Rarely harmful to others

Non-Coercive Paraphilias Sexual Sadism and Sexual Masochism Sadism: sexual arousal from giving physical or psychological pain Masochism: sexual arousal from receiving pain / bondage Difficult to label because some behaviors common Might provide escape from rigid everyday lives

Other Non-Coercive Paraphilias Autoerotic asphyxia: reducing blood supply to the brain during heightened sexual arousal Klismaphilia: receiving enemas Coprophilia: contact with feces Urophilia: contact with urine (“golden showers”)

Coercive Paraphilias Exhibitionism Exposing genitals to an involuntary observer Some offenders commit more serious crimes Suggested response Calmly ignore it Leave immediately Report to authorities ASAP

Coercive Paraphilias Obscene Phone Calls Sexual arousal from response to call Usually a shy, insecure male Suggested response Gently hang up, ignore re-call Screen calls, call tracing Report and ask for new number

Coercive Paraphilias Voyeurism Sexual arousal from observing others undressing or engaging in sexual activity, without their consent Offenders often feel inadequate and lack sociosexual skills Tend to be young men in 20s More likely to observe strangers than acquaintances

Other Coercive Paraphilias Frotteurism: rubbing against unwilling victim Zoophilia: sex with animals Necrophilia: viewing or having intercourse with corpse

Sexual Addiction Carnes’ Cycle of Addiction Preoccupation Ritualistic behavior Sexual activity Despair Criticisms Rare, and lacks distinction from other compulsive behaviors Negates individual responsibility

Sexual Addiction Coleman’s Sexual Compulsion Cycle Shame and inadequacy Indulging in quick fix Brief respite Compounded feelings of shame and inadequacy Impact of Internet on compulsive sexual behavior