Scientists have the tendency to describe behaviour in terms of normal or abnormal. Abnormal sexual behaviour is described with the following terms: sexual deviance, sexual variance, paraphilias and perversion.
One approach in describing abnormal behaviour is the statistical definition, it classifies rare and uncommon sexual behaviour as abnormal. In the sociological approach the dependence on culture is acknowledged. Abnormal sexual behaviour is described as deviant in the society. The psychological approach (Buss, 1966) describes abnormal sexual behaviour as inefficient, bizarre and discomforting. The medical approach is classified by the DSM. It recognises eight forms of abnormalities: sexual masochism, frotteurism, sexual sadism, fetishism, voyeurism, transvestism, pedophilia and exhibitionism.
The definition of paraphilia is the intense sexual interest in sexual stimulation other than with normal human partners. Paraphilia is not necessarily a mental disorder but might require intervention. When the person feels great distress either caused by societal pressure or unwilling sexual partners the paraphilia can be classified a disorder. The general diagnostic criteria described in the DSM are:
- The urges or fantasies must last over a period of at least six months
- The urges or fantasies cause clinical impairment or distress that affects occupational or social functioning.
It can be difficult to distinguish normal from abnormal sexual behaviour. Many people hold mild fetishes, such as the fetish for exciting lingerie. Also, forty-two percent of people reported they engaged in voyeurism and thirty-five percent engaged in frottage, this is sexual rubbing against a woman while in a crowd (Templeman & Stinnett, 1991). The fetish becomes abnormal when it gets more extreme or when it becomes a necessity.
Fetishism means having a sexual fixation on an object other than a human. Also, a great erotic significance is attached to this object. A fetishistic disorder is when urges, behaviour or fantasies for a non-living object enhances or produces sexual desire without or with the partner. It should last for at least six months and cause significant distress. In some cases, people are unable to get an orgasm unless the object is present. There are two types of fetishes: media
.....read more
Add new contribution