Chapter 15 Psych Psychology of Sex: Variations in Sexual Behaviour

Focus on what constitutes "abnormal" sexual behavior.
Discusses various definitions and cultural perspectives on deviations in sexual practice.

Terms such as "sexual deviations" and "perversions".
Important to acknowledge that cultural definitions vary—being different does not inherently mean wrongdoing.
Laws influence the definition of abnormality, primarily when a behavior violates legal standards.
Example: the notion that anything other than the missionary position may be considered abnormal.
Distinction between behaviors that interfere with daily life and those that do not.
- Example: Petaphilia (fetish for balloons) is unusual and might impede relationship formation if not accepted by partners.

Definition: “Intense and persistent sexual interest, manifested by fantasies, sexual urges, or behavior, in unusual objects, situations, or individuals.”
Important distinction between paraphilia and paraphilic disorders; not all paraphilic interests are classified as disorders.
Paraphilia does not imply dysfunction but reflects long-term interests in specific fantasies or activities.
- Situations: might include thrill-seeking behaviors such as voyeurism.
- Objects of interest can include unusual items like balloons.

The perspective of rarity: is abnormality merely defined by its infrequency?
Statistics may be created to construct a definition of abnormality:
- Example of potential statistical formulations regarding sexual behavior.

Legal definitions may classify illegal acts as abnormal, implying potential risk and harm involved in such behaviors.

Ranges from mild preference, strong preference, to necessity for engagement with the fetish object, leading to psychological implications.
- Example: An individual only aroused by balloons would indicate a risk of being abnormal if they cannot sexualize a partner.

Key Aspects of Evaluation:
- Distress: Does the behavior cause distress?
- Dysfunction: Does it hinder personal relationships?
- Deviance: How does it deviate from societal norms?
- Danger: Is there a risk of harm?

Voyeurism: Sexual arousal from secret observation.
- Thrill derived from risk/stolen moments.
- Ratio of male to female participants is approximately 9:1.
- Key element of thrill related to potential of getting caught.
Exhibitionism: Exposing genitals in inappropriate contexts, often for reaction.
- Commonly male behavior; consequences differ based on gender (i.e. female behavior may be less penalized).
Frotteurism: Sexual arousal from rubbing against a stranger.

Definition: Involves a sexual fixation on inanimate objects or specific body parts, with significant erotic attachment.
Classical conditioning may lead to the arousal linked to the fetish object.
- Example: Foot or shoe fetish based on personal experiences, conditioned responses.
Media Fetish: Attraction to specific materials (e.g., leather, silk) rather than just the body part.
Form Fetish: Attraction based on specific shapes (e.g., high-heeled shoes, feet).

Transvestism: Involves sexual aspects of dressing in opposite gender clothing.
Cross-Dressing: General practice of wearing clothing associated with the opposite gender, which may not necessarily have sexual connotations.
- Noted that societal scrutiny differs based on gender.
Men may cross-dress for sexual arousal or comfort; motivation factors (Talamini 1982):
1. Sexual arousal
2. Relaxation
3. Role-playing
4. Adornment

Exploration of pain within sexual relationships,
- Sadist: Person who derives satisfaction from inflicting pain.
- Masochist: Person who derives satisfaction from receiving pain.
- Emphasis on mutual consent and enjoyment.

Defined by restraint use within sexual activities, emphasizes consent and enjoyment from both parties.

Involves consensual power play, reliant on mutual acceptance of controlling dynamics during sexual interaction (including pre-established scripts).
Safety word as a crucial mechanism for consent during play.

Definition: Uncontrolled excessive sexual drive leading to compulsive behavior patterns.
Terms indicating hypersexual behaviors include nymphomania (females) and satyriasis (males).

Criteria for identifying compulsive sexual behaviors (Schneider & Weiss, 2001):
- Loss of control over sexual impulses.
- Continuing behavior despite negative consequences (e.g., legal, personal).
- Significant preoccupation and obsession with sexual acts.
Patrick (1983) points to stages within sexual addiction:
1. Preoccupation with sexual thoughts
2. Ritualization of sexual experiences
3. Compulsive behavior
4. Emotional despair.
Treatment challenges; emphasis on therapy to regain control over impulses.

Focus on comprehensive assessment to determine fruitful therapeutic paths.
- Exploring underlying motivations, consequences of behaviors.
Medical treatments include both surgical and hormonal interventions:
- Surgical castration, hormonal treatments, and psychopharmacological aids (e.g., Prozac).
Cognitive-behavioral therapies aimed at altering distorted beliefs and behaviors:
- Aversion therapy, orgasmic reconditioning, relapse prevention strategies.

Skills Training: Assists in social skills development, basic relationship-building techniques and sex education.
The concept of sex surrogates: usage of an individual to aid in sexual interactions and education.
12-Step Programs: Based on Alcoholics Anonymous, aiming to provide community support.
Treatment efficacy is individual—what works varies greatly between persons.

Discussion on whether treatment should focus on altering sexual behaviors or improving social/relationship skills to foster healthier connections.
Inquiry into whether enhancing one’s relational skills may mitigate problematic sexual behaviors over time, considering the interplay between sexual desire and social interaction difficulties.