Sexual Paraphilias Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is a sexual dysfunction?
Problems with the psychophysiological characteristic of the sexual response cycle (measure quantitative issues with strength of response)
What is a paraphilia?
A persistent, intense, or atypical sexual arousal pattern to non-normative or deviant stimuli (measures qualitative aspects of sexuality)
What is a paraphilic disorder? Is this different than a paraphilia?
If a paraphilia is accompanied by clinically significant distress or impairment, then it is considered a paraphilic disorder
What does a diagnosis of a paraphilic disorder require?
2 things
A non-consenting person OR causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning
How is sexual consent safeguarded in the BDSM community?
“Safe, Sane, and Consensual” approach with explicit safety measures such as negotiations and safe words
The community enforces boundaries and serves to regulate community norms of safety
What are the learning models for sexual paraphilias?
3 listed here
1- classical conditioning (neutral stimulus gets paired with sexual arousal)
2- imprinting (early sexual experiences shape subsequent sexual desires)
3- fantasy rehearsal (self-directed conditioning paradigm = strengthened response over time)
What etiological/social factor is commonly associated with the development of paraphilias (especially those that involve non-consensual victims)?
Early sexual trauma
How might early sexual trauma lead to sexual paraphilias?
3 things
1- Often show features of sexual compulsivity, poor impulse control, or distorted cognition about consent
2- Vicarious learning: children exposed to sexual violence may learn that sexual coercion is normative and associated with pleasure and power
3- Attempts to control painful memories through mastery
What predispositions or characteristic profiles do we see in those with sexual paraphilias?
5 things
Predominantly men
Impulsivity, anger, aggression, dominance
Heterosocial deficits
Early attachment problems
Comorbid pathology with mood disorders, anxiety, and substance abuse
What does heterosocial mean?
Describes nonsexual social relations with members of the opposite sex (or of the sexually preferred sex)
What is fetishism?
Erotic attraction to nonliving objects
- masturbation with object
- incorporation of object into sexual behavior
- theft or collection of objects
What is partialism?
A form of fetishistic behavior involving intense erotic attraction to specific parts of the body in a way that overrides sexual interest in the partner’s body as a whole (e.g. feet)
What is sexual sadism?
Excitement in response to the infliction of psychological and physical suffering
What is sexual masochism?
Excitement in response to being humiliated or made to suffer
What are some examples of sadomasochistic behavior?
Beating, burning, restraints, blindfolding, body piercing, humiliation such as forcing someone to crawl or war infantile clothing
What is pedophilia?
Adults for whom prepubescent children are the focus of erotic attraction and interest
- highly culture specific
- heterogeneity of behavioral manifestations
What are the subtypes of pedophilia?
There are 3
Opportunistic: will engage in this behavior if the opportunity arises, but won’t necessarily seek it out
Pervasively angry: motivation isn’t sexual desire, it’s about power or control
Sexual: individuals for whom the primary preference is children and they intentionally seek them out for sexual purposes
What is exhbitionism?
Recurrent urge for exposure of the genitals to strangers or unsuspecting victims
- arousal response tied to shock, fear, or embarrassment of victims
What is exhibitionism associated with?
3 things
Acts of sexual aggression, antisocial traits, and heterosocial deficits
What is frotteurism?
Individual touches or rubs their genitals against the leg, buttocks, or other parts of an unsuspecting victim
Typically occurs in situations where their behaviors will go undetected and unpunished by others
What personality styles are associated with frotteurism?
3 types/things
Withdrawn, immature, or social avoidance personality styles
What is voyeurism?
Observation of an unsuspecting person or people who are nude, undressing, or engaging in a sexual act
An essential feature is the lack of awareness of the victim and often involves masturbation during or immediately following the act
What is voyeurism associated with?
6 things
Sadism, aggression, sexual assault, little sexual experience, lack of heterosocial skills, and strong feelings of inferiority
How did Pete from the case study end up seeing a psychologist?
He was arrested for sexual assault (fondled a woman after helping fix her car, then masturbated in front of her)
He was given 2 years on probation and required to see a psychologist by the court
