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
Chapter 17 Sexual Coercion
Types of Rape Stranger rape Acquaintance rape Date rape Statutory rape
Prevalence of Rape 1 in 6 women, 3% of men Underreported for many reasons Victim’s self-blame or denial Mistrust of police, legal system Fear of retaliation from rapist Concern about publicity
Incidence of Rape by Sex of Victim Caption: Lifetime Incidence of Rape by Sex of Victim
False Beliefs About Rape “Women can’t be raped if they don’t want to be” “Women say no when they mean yes” “Many women ‘cry rape’” “All women want to be raped” “Rapists are obviously mentally ill” “Men can’t control their sexual urges”
Psychosocial Basis of Rape Rape frequency influenced by the nature of relations between the sexes Status of women Boy’s attitudes during developmental years Rape-prone societies Societies with no rape Stereotyped gender roles Peer group acceptance
Psychosocial Basis of Rape Impact of Media Heightens acceptance of sexual violence Heightens likelihood of coercive sex Physiologic findings inconsistent
Characteristics of Rapists Embrace male-dominance Anger toward women Alcohol may contribute Self-centered, less sensitive History of progressively more violent sexual offenses
Characteristics of Female Rape Victims 50% under age of 18 Cultural differences in reporting Low SES may confer greater risk Victims of childhood sexual abuse at increased risk for adult sexual revictimization
Age Breakdown of Women Rape Victims Caption: Age breakdown of women rape victims at time of first rape.
Acquaintance Rape Role of Perceptions and Communication Occur in 3 out of 4 rapes Sexual scripts Misinterpretations and double messages Nonverbal communication Justification
Date Rape Drugs Rohyphnol: (roofies) sedative causing muscle relaxation and amnesia Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB): central nervous system depressant Ketamine hydrochloride (Special K): central nervous system depressant
Wartime Rape U.N. 1996 Declaration: crime of war Motivated by attempts to dominate, humiliate, control Destroy familial and societal bonds Terrorize population
Aftermath of Rape Initial feelings of shame, anger, fear, guilt, powerlessness Self-blame Physical symptoms frequently occur Impaired sexual functioning PTSD, distress developed after trauma Less severe repercussions if counseling begun ASAP
Rape and Sexual Assault of Males Although vast majority of sexual assault victims are women, men are also targets of rape Men less likely than women to report rape Gay men, prison inmates, and prisoners of war more likely to be raped
Sexual Abuse of Children Sexual contact with a child is always coercive because children cannot give informed consent Child-sexual abuse: adult sexual contact with a child Incest: with a relative Pedophilia or molestation: with a non- relative
Sexual Abuse of Children Prevalence Girls 20-33% Boys 9-16% Brother-sister and first cousin incest is most common Father-daughter reported more and has greater negative impact
Characteristics of Child Sexual Abusers Mostly heterosexual males Cover spectrum of social classes, religions, ethnicity and education Often times are lonely, shy Poor interpersonal skills Alcoholism; severe marital problems; sexual difficulties; and poor emotional adjustment
Sexual Abuse of Children Recovered Memories Many abuse victims do not remember documented abuse Controversy: Are memories planted by therapists?
Sexual Abuse of Children Pedophiles in Cyberspace The Internet provides increased opportunities to take advantage of children First, gain child’s trust; then, try to arrange a meeting 2009: Child Online Protection Act Prevention
Effects of Child Sexual Abuse Often affects intimate adult relations Low self esteem, PTSD, detrimental parenting practices Sex difference Variety of treatment programs
Preventing Child Sexual Abuse Present prevention-oriented material at young age Explain “Okay” and “Not Okay” touches to children Encourage children to believe they have rights Encourage communication be immediate when in uncomfortable situations Discuss strategies for getting away from uncomfortable situations
Sexual Harassment Unwanted sexual attention in the workplace or academic setting Prohibited by Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act Two types: verbal or physical Quid pro quo Hostile or offensive environment
Sexual Harassment Severity Levels Mild -Sexual or sexist remarks -Unwelcome intrusion Intermediate -Graphic comments Severe -Requiring sexual services
Same-Sex Sexual Harassment Recent increase in same-sex sexual harassment claims Difficult to pursue legally Federal law narrowly interpreted as between men and women
Sexual Harassment Effects on the Victim Financial loss Psychological reactions Physical symptoms Personal relationships
Dealing with Sexual Harassment If assaulted, file criminal charges If not assaulted, confront harasser Discuss with supervisor Discuss appropriately with coworkers File official complaint or lawsuit
Sexual Harassment in Academic Settings Coercion focuses on grades, letters of recommendation, work, or research opportunities Many colleges and universities ban professor-student romances Incidence 20-40% undergraduate women; 9-29% men undergraduate 30-50% graduate women
Chapter 18 Sex For Sale
Defining Pornography Written, visual, or spoken material depicting sexual activity or genital exposure; intended to arouse Categories of pornography Degrading pornography; violent pornography Straight, gay, and lesbian pornography Child pornography
Pornography vs. Erotica Depictions of sexuality which display mutuality, respect, affection, and balance of power Can be soft- or hard-core More common with women’s involvement in production of sexually explicit materials
Pornography Historical Overview Prehistoric cave drawings depict sexual activity Emergence of Christianity; restrictive attitudes toward sexuality Comstock Act Publication of print material, movies, etc. Internet Free speech versus censorship
What Constitutes Obscenity? U.S. Supreme Court Criteria Appeals to prurient interest in sex Patently offensive to contemporary community standards Without serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value
Pornography Freedom of Speech Versus Censorship 1970: Commission on Obscenity and Pornography recommended repeal of all adult pornography laws 1986: Meese Commission recommended vigorous prosecution of obscenity
Sexually Explicit Materials: Helpful or Harmful? Helpful: sexual stimulation without risk of pregnancy or STI; provides fantasy material; can even out differences in frequency of interest between partners Hurtful: less satisfied with physical appeal and sexual performance of partners; Internet pornography Portrayal of sexuality: stresses male penile performance; perpetuates gender role stereotypes
Prostitution Exchange of money for sexual services Long history of prostitution; tolerated and even valued Sex workers The Internet and sex workers
Prostitution and Sex Work Why Women and Men Become Sex Workers Primarily economic Combination of psychological, social, and environmental factors Homelessness, traumatic childhood Can be a matter of personal choice and sense of power and control
Personal Costs of Sex Work Physical and mental health problems due to violence, chronic stress, and STIs 2/3 meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD
Prostitution and the Law Reasons for Criminalization Reduces number of prostitutes Easier to enforce restrictions Regulates public morality Reasons against Criminalization Effective restriction is difficult Encourages organized crime Hampers rehabilitation Discrimination in enforcement