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 & 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 & 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

Other Non-Coercive Paraphilias Autoerotic asphyxia Klismaphilia: receiving enemas Coprophilia: contact with feces Urophilia: contact with urine

Coercive Paraphilias: Exhibitionism Exposing genitals to unwilling other 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 & 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 & 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