Week 9 p1

Introduction to HSCI 120: Human Sexuality and Sexual Behavior

  • Course: HSCI 120 Introduction to Human Sexuality and Sexual Behaviour

  • Instructor: Dr. Milad Parpouchi

  • Date: November 5, 2024

Lecture Outline

  • Speaker: Hazel Plante – Health and Life Sciences Librarian

  • Focused Topics:

    • Anonymous interim course feedback survey

    • Remainder of slides from last week

    • Difference between paraphilias and paraphilic disorders

    • Summary of common paraphilias and paraphilic disorders

Feedback Survey

  • Emphasis on gathering anonymous interim course feedback.

Paraphilias and Paraphilic Disorders

  • Definitions:

    • Paraphilia: Intense, persistent sexual interest outside of consensual relationships.

    • Paraphilic Disorder: A paraphilia that results in distress or impairment, or involves harm to others.

  • Understanding the continuum of paraphilias from normal to abnormal.

Understanding Normal Sexual Behavior

  • Defining normal sexual behavior is complex; might use statistical prevalence.

  • Oxford Dictionary Definitions:

    • Standard, typical, or expected behavior.

    • Free from physical or mental disorders.

  • Socio-cultural perspectives shape what is deemed acceptable or legal.

  • Key criteria: consensual and non-harmful behavior.

Atypical Sexual Behaviors

  • Greek origins of the term: para- (deviation) and philia (love/attraction).

  • Paraphilias represent diverse sexual interests beyond conventional sexual activity.

Diagnosing Paraphilic Disorders (DSM-5)

  • Criteria A: Presence of distinct paraphilias (e.g., flashing).

  • Criteria B: Negative consequences (e.g., harm, distress).

  • Both criteria must coexist for diagnosis.

  • Diagnosis requires a duration of at least 6 months.

  • Presence of a paraphilia does not imply a need for clinical treatment.

Common Paraphilic Behaviors

  • Two categories:

    1. Preferences for atypical activities (e.g., voyeuristic disorder).

    2. Preferences for atypical targets (e.g., pedophilia, fetishes).

  • Challenges in research due to the sensitivity of the subject.

Examples of Paraphilias

  • Victimizing Paraphilias:

    • Voyeuristic: Watching others without consent.

    • Exhibitionist: Displaying one’s genitals without consent.

    • Pedophilic: Sexual interest in children.

    • Frotteuristic: Rubbing against nonconsenting individuals.

  • Non-victimizing Paraphilias:

    • Transvestic: Cross-dressing.

    • Formicophilia: Attraction to small creatures.

    • Fetishistic: Dependence on non-living objects for sexual arousal.

Distinctions between Fetishes and Fetishistic Disorder

  • Fetish: Use of non-living objects for arousal; enhances sexual experience.

  • Fetishistic Disorder: Distress or impairment related to reliance on a fetish.

Specific Types of Paraphilias

  • Transvestism:

    • Distinction between cross-dressing and transvestic disorder; not all cross-dressers experience distress.

  • Voyeuristic Disorder: Arousal from watching unsuspecting individuals.

  • Exhibitionistic Disorder: Arousal from exposing oneself; often results in legal ramifications.

  • Telephone Scatologia: Arousal from making explicit phone calls.

  • Frotteuristic Disorder: Rubbing against individuals in public.

Sexual Sadism and Masochism

  • Discuss the link between sexual sadism and masochism; often complementary roles.

  • Sexual Sadism Disorder: Arousal from inflicting pain on others.

  • Sexual Masochism Disorder: Arousal from experiencing pain or humiliation.

BDSM

  • Context of BDSM: Consent is paramount; practices occur within established boundaries.

  • Differences between consensual BDSM and abuse are highlighted.

  • Practices include bondage, discipline, domination, submission, and sadomasochism.

Pedophilic Disorder

  • Unique in classifying attraction to atypical human targets.

  • Understand categorization of pedophiles based on target age group.

  • DSM Criteria: Requires evidence of action or significant distress.

Treatment of Paraphilic Disorders

  • Treatment may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, self-esteem training, and pharmacological interventions.

  • Treatment goals: Control fantasies, reduce distress, address social skills.

  • Cognitive distortions are addressed as part of therapy.

Conclusion of the Lecture

  • Importance of understanding complex issues relating to human sexuality and paraphilias.

  • Encourage discussions surrounding relationships, both human and technological.