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.