Sexual deviations - what do we include? General definition, causes and types

The term “sexual deviation” is currently not used in professional literature. The same applies to the term “sexual perversion” and to the term “sexual perversion”. They have been replaced by the term “paraphilia”. Paraphilia is a disorder of sexual preference that is associated with achieving sexual satisfaction in a generally unacceptable way, which may cause pain or force others to have sexual intercourse and behave in certain ways during sexual intercourse (so-called pathological sexual deviations). .

Right and wrong sexual behavior - how to distinguish them?

Disorders of sexual preference (called by many people, for example, “sexual perversions”) result in unusual stimuli or behavior as the source of sexual arousal. There is often a fine line between normal sexual behavior that goes beyond established moral norms or is imposed on religious grounds and sexual preference disorders. Moreover, some types of sexual behavior, long excluded from the list of sexual deviations, become a weapon in the fight against the broadly understood otherness. This applies, for example, to homosexual and bisexual people whose sexual preference is not a disorder, as proven by numerous studies.

Normal sexual behavior, although sometimes different from what is usually considered “normal”, occurs when it includes:

• adults and fully mentally capable,

• people who voluntarily agree to certain behavior.

At the same time, correct sexual behavior (which is not a sexual deviation) does not cause pain and is not associated with the humiliation of another person, and also does not harm health and does not violate social norms, including sexual harassment. to arouse and satisfy sexual desires in public places, as well as violations of the right to privacy.

Sexual preference disorders are a large group of behaviors that affect, among other things, children and people with disabilities who, due to their mental and physical health, cannot effectively resist sexual contacts. One of the most well-known types of sexual behavior that is contrary to generally accepted social, cultural and religious norms is pedophilia (sexual intercourse with children).

Sexual Dysfunction: A General Definition of Paraphilia

By definition, we are dealing with paraphilia, when arousal and complete sexual satisfaction are achieved in the case of a specific stimulus. The stimulus for paraphilia is not only a specific person, but also an object, place or situation.

We can also deal with paraphilia, where sexual arousal and satisfaction is achieved through prolonged fantasizing, committing crimes, and in a way that has a negative impact on health and various aspects of life.

People suffering from paraphilia do not experience sexual satisfaction with intimate close-ups, which are within the normal range and are generally accepted. Sexual contacts of this type cause irritation and often do not allow you to relieve the growing tension, as well as achieve orgasm.

Normal sexual behavior is the feeling of being sexually attracted to a partner of the same or different gender who is an adult who consciously consents to certain behaviors and does not resist engaging in certain types of sexual intercourse. Then we are dealing with healthy sexual relationships that do not violate dignity, physical and mental health, although they do not always have to fit into cultural and religious norms.

Previously, sexual deviations were considered experimentation with different sexual positions, as well as the use of erotic gadgets, which are now used by many people to achieve sexual satisfaction and a variety of intimate relationships. For this reason, any deviation from the norm and otherness should not be considered in the category of disorders of sexual preference, if it involves the mutual consent of the partners.

Sexual disorders, which include sexual deviance as well as gender identity disorders and sexual dysfunctions, are a serious problem because the affected people often pose a threat to others. This is clearly seen, for example, in the case of pedophilia and rape. Another example of dangerous sexual disorders is sexual sadism.

The general definition of paraphilia includes two criteria, A and B, on the basis of which the disorder is defined.

Criterion A includes:

• fantasies of sexual arousal,

• sexual behavior associated with contact with non-personal objects, children, people who are not able to give informed consent to this behavior,

• suffering for oneself or persons involved in sexual intercourse, as well as humiliation.

Criterion B refers to:

• worsening social situation

• deteriorating income situation

• problems in other important areas of functioning.

Sexual disorders - causes

Where do the various sexual disorders that indicate paraphilia come from? There is no definite answer to this question. Despite many studies, it has not been possible to identify the exact cause of sexual deviations, but factors have been identified that may contribute to the choice of inappropriate sexual behavior. These include:

• sexual development disorders

• childhood trauma,

• avoidance of close relationships

• adolescence experience and sexual initiation.

The topic of sexual deviance is a complex topic. Sometimes used to ridicule and stigmatize members of certain minorities, which include, in particular, LGBT people. It is important to remember that sexual behavior that does not harm others and is associated with a conscientious, adult, and willing partner is not considered sexual deviance.

Sexual deviation - types

The list of behaviors that are considered sexual deviations is very long. It includes, among other things:

• pedophilia - attraction is felt towards young children, as well as infants,

• sexual masochism - the achievement of sexual pleasure as a result of pain,

• sexual sadism - sexual satisfaction is achieved by inflicting pain,

• bestiality - sexual attraction to animals

• fetishism - sexual attraction to objects or parts of the body,

• abasiophilia - sexual attraction to lame or legless people,

• dendrophilia - sexual attraction to trees,

• exhibitionism - exposing oneself in public places,

• frotterism - the achievement of sexual pleasure by rubbing against a part of the body of a woman or man,

• emetophilia - getting sexual satisfaction from partner’s vomit

• hebephilia - sexual attraction to adolescents at the age of puberty,

• incest - sexual contact with family members, such as children, brothers and sisters.

Not all abnormal sexual preferences are paraphilic. Studies have shown that sexual deviations are more common in men and are associated with other mental disorders. Preference disorders do not have to accompany a person from the moment of the beginning of his erotic life. It happens that they are associated with various events that affect the psyche. Abnormal behavior associated with sexuality can also be associated with an attempt to defuse accumulated nervous tension. Their occurrence is influenced by socio-cultural factors, biological factors and psychological factors.

Paraphilia therapy: is there a chance for a complete cure for this type of sexual disorder?

Regardless of the type of sexual deviation, sexual preference disorders always require specialist treatment. There is a very fine line between sexual behavior that borders on normal and sexual behavior that can violate the dignity and integrity of another person, so if you experience sexual satisfaction only under the influence of unusual stimuli, you need to see a sexologist. Psychotherapy is used to treat sexual deviations, but in some cases the treatment does not bring the expected results. If the patient commits sexual crimes, permanent isolation is sometimes necessary. This applies, for example, to rapists and pedophiles.