Term
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Definition
| Describes mutual, simultaneous oral-genital stimulation. The 6 and the 9 resemble two partners, upside-down and facing each other. May be practiced side-by-side, or with one partner on top of the other. Partners often alternate positions. Can be positive because both partners are stimulated at the same time, but may be challenging if partners are not the same size. May deprive each partner of focusing on receiving or providing pleasure. |
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Term
| Alan Hunt and Bruce Curtis |
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Definition
| From Carleton University. Analyzed marriage and sex-advice manuals published over the course of the twentieth century. Found a number of changes in advice about oral sex. Beginning as a taboo subject, it became viewed as a normal activity over time. First cunnilingus then fellatio was accepted. Initially seen as a way of arousing the couple, especially the woman, in preparation for intercourse. Later accepted as a means of sexual pleasure in its own right. |
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| Ali Hébert and Angela Weaver |
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Definition
| Researchers in Nova Scotia. Examined self-identified dominants and submissives in BDSM culture. Found that dominants had higher measures of desire for control, extroversion, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Submissives had higher measures of emotionality. There were no differences in empathy, honesty, humility, conscientiousness, openness to experience, altruism, or agreeableness. |
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Term
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Definition
| Penetration of the anus can heighten sexual sensation. The rectum is rich with nerve endings, and highly sensitive to stimulation. Both men and women may achieve orgasm through anal sex. The penetrating partner is usually behind the receiving partner. The rectum produces no natural lubrication; artificial lubricant is advised. Approximately 25% of men and 20% of women report engaging in anal sex in their lifetimes, 10% over the last year. More common among gay males than heterosexual couples. Not all gay men enjoy or practise anal sex, but those who do often alternate between being the insertive and receptive partner. Many gay men who practise anal sex do not view it as having to do with power, or activity versus passivity; they feel that it is about sharing. STIs including HIV may be spread through anal sex when small tears in the rectal tissues allow microbes to enter the recipient's bloodstream. Condoms should be used. |
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Term
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Definition
| Oral stimulation of the anus. Kissing or licking the anus during foreplay. Carries a serious health risk; microorganisms that cause intestinal diseases and various STIs may be spread through oral-anal contact. |
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Term
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Definition
Chemical castration
A medical approach for treating paraphilias. A substance that reduces sex drive by lowering the level of testosterone. Evidence suggests that in conjunction with psychological treatment, it can help people. |
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Term
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Definition
| A method for terminating an undesirable sexual behaviour. The behaviour is repeatedly paired with aversive stimulus, such as electric shock, until the person develops a conditioned aversion to the behaviour. A technique used in cognitive-behavioural therapy to help eliminate paraphilic behaviours. Includes covert sensitization. |
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Term
| B.J. Rye and Glenn Meaney |
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Definition
| Conducted a survey to determine if university students would, hypothetically, watch an attractive person undressing, or two attractive people having sex. Most said they would watch someone undress if they wouldn't be caught. Fewer women (40%) than men (70%) said they would watch a couple have sex. |
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Term
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Definition
| Sexual contact with an animal. |
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Term
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Definition
| The endocrine and nervous systems may influence paraphilic behaviour. Higher than normal sex drives, and brain differences may contribute to paraphilias. |
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Term
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Definition
| Ritual restraint, such as by shackles, practised by many sexual masochists. |
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Term
| Bondage and discipline (B&D, BDSM) |
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Definition
| Bondage, discipline, and sadomasochism. A form of sadomasochism involving restraining and punishing a partner physically or verbally. |
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Term
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Definition
| Men are more likely to stimulate women's breasts than to enjoy having their own breasts fondled, even though breasts are erotically sensitive in both sexes. Many women enjoy breast stimulation; some can achieve orgasm from this alone. Can use hands or mouth to stimulate breasts. Generally, women prefer several minutes of body contact and gentle caresses before intense breast stimulation. Gay men stimulate their partners' nipples more often than heterosexual women do. Heterosexual men may be unaware that their breasts are erotically sensitive. |
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Term
| Charles Moser and Peggy Kleinplatz |
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Definition
| A San Francisco physician, and Ottawa psychologist. Believe that atypical sexual inclination should not be used as the bias for a category of psychiatric disorders. Argue that because unusual sexual interests, including sadomasochism, are not, in and of themselves, signs of pathology, and paraphilias should be removed from the DSM. The section of the DSM on paraphilia is not based on current scientific findings, rather on political values about what is considered acceptable behaviour. |
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Term
| Cognitive-behavioural perspectives |
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Definition
| Fetishes and other paraphilias are learned, from association, punishment, or observational learning. |
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Term
| Cognitive-behavioural therapy |
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Definition
| Systematic application of the principles of learning in order to modify a problematic behaviour. Spawned a number of techniques to help eliminate paraphilic behaviours and strengthen appropriate sexual behaviours, including: systematic desensitization, aversion therapy, social skills training, covert sensitization, and orgasmic reconditioning. |
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Term
| Compulsive sexual behaviour |
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Definition
| Excessively frequent, out-of-control sexual behaviour which is seen as an obsessive-compulsive disorder. Not an indication that the individual is addicted to sex. Treatment is similar to treatments for other obsessive-compulsive disorders, including medications. |
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Term
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Definition
| A paraphilia in which sexual arousal is attained in connection with feces. The person may have urges to be defecated on or to defecate on a sex partner. Association of feces with sexual arousal may be a throwback to childhood. |
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Term
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Definition
| A form of aversion therapy in which thoughts about engaging in undesirable behaviours are repeatedly paired with imagined aversive stimuli. A technique used in cognitive-behavioural therapy to help eliminate paraphilic behaviours. |
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Term
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Definition
Eating
Going down
Oral stimulation of the female genitals. The partner may begin by kissing or licking the abdomen and inner thighs, gradually nearing the vulva. Gently tugging or sucking of the labia minora can be stimulating (without biting). Many women enjoy licking or sucking of the clitoral region. The tongue may be inserted into the vagina. Many women find cunnilingus the best means of achieving orgasm. |
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Term
| Dana Menard and Peggy Kleinplatz |
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Definition
Analyzed popular magazines for advice on having "great sex". Found five categories of advice:
1. Technical, mechanical, and physical factors
2. Variety
3. Relationship factors
4. Personal psychological improvements
5. Preparation for sex |
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Term
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Definition
| Conducted a study where heterosexual women kept diaries in which they recorded sexual fantasies, and also self-administered urine tests to assess ovulation. Number of males in fantasies increased during ovulation, but not number of females. Fantasies during ovulation were more likely to emphasize sex within a relationship rather than explicit sexual content. |
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Term
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Definition
Flashing
A paraphilia characterized by persistent, powerful urges and sexual fantasies that involve exposing one's genitals to unsuspecting strangers. The exhibitionist achieves sexual arousal or gratification from this behaviour. They either act on the urges or find them disturbing. Almost always male, though some are female. In a national probability sample, 4% of men and 2% of women were exhibitionists. Behaviour usually begins before age 18, with the urge to "flash" beginning between ages 13 and 16. Frequency declines markedly after age 40. Typical exhibitionists are thought to be young, lonely, or in an unhappy male-female relationships, and sexually repressed. Many are single, and find it hard to relate to women. May attempt to assert masculinity or express hostility towards women. May be shy, passive, or lacking sexual and social skills. May be trivialized as a "nuisance crime", but it can have serious psychological consequences for victims. One study of exhibitionists found that 12% were convicted of other sexual offenses, and 17% were convicted of violent crimes. Different from individuals displaying their body to a relationship partner, or exotic dancers exposing themselves to strangers. Respond to an exhibitionist by staying calm, and not displaying shock or fear; you could advise that they seek professional help, or report the incident to the police. |
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Term
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Definition
Blow job
Giving head
Sucking
Sucking off
Oral stimulation of the male genitals. Although the term means "to suck", sucking action is generally not highly arousing. Up-and-down movements of the penis in the partner's mouth, and licking of the penis are generally the most stimulating. Gentle licking of the scrotum may also be highly arousing. Muscles of the mouth and jaw can create varied pressure and movements. Be careful to never touch the penis with the teeth. Moving the penis in and out of the mouth, with varying speed, combined with manual stimulation, can increase arousal. Gagging may be avoided by: grasping the shaft with one hand, giving fellatio from a superior position, or gradually allowing deeper penetration while keeping throat muscles relaxed. |
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Term
| Female masturbation techniques |
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Definition
| Techniques vary widely, as do tempo and style. Most women masturbate by massaging the mons, labia minora, and clitoral region with circular or back-and-forth motions. May straddle the clitoris with their fingers, stroking the shaft rather than the glans. May pull or tug on vaginal lips. May prefer stimulation of external parts of genitals, or some prefer internal and external stimulation. Some women massage other sensitive areas, such as breasts or nipples. Some masturbate during baths. |
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Term
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Definition
Woman-on-top
The intercourse position where partners face each other, and the woman straddles the man from above, controlling the angle of penile entry and depth of thrusting. Some women lie, some sit, most vary their positions. Women may feel "in charge", and can guarantee that they receive adequate clitoral stimulation, thus facilitating orgasm. |
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Term
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Definition
| A paraphilia in which an inanimate object, such as an article of clothing (panties, bras, lingerie, stockings, gloves, shoes, or boots), or items made of rubber, leather, silk, or fur, elicits sexual arousal. Leather boots and high-heeled shoes are common fetishes. Most are harmless. The fetishist may act on urges while masturbating. |
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Term
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Definition
| Insertion of a hand into the vagina or anus. Little research is documented on its prevalence. In a study of men who had sex with men in the previous month, 8% reported fisting. Less common among women and heterosexual men. Typically, the hand is not clenched into a fist; the fingers are kept straight in a beak-like shape. |
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Term
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Definition
| Physical interactions that are sexually stimulating and set the stage for penetrative sex. Can include cuddling, kissing, petting, and oral-genital contact. Pattern and duration varies widely within and across cultures. Important, because most couples aren't ready for penetrative sex without first building arousal and sexual response. Sex therapists often encourage couples to consider foreplay activities as activities for their own sake, rather than as activities which must lead to penetration. A study of heterosexual couples at University of New Brunswick found that heterosexual men and women were similar in terms of how long they wanted foreplay to last. Women underestimated how much foreplay their partners wanted. Men were accurate in estimating how much time their partners, and the average woman, wanted to spend on foreplay. |
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Term
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Definition
| Studied five adolescent boys who engaged in hypoxyphilia. Found extensive early histories of choking in combination with physical or sexual abuse. This combination seems to have encouraged them to associate choking with sexual arousal. |
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Term
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Definition
Groping
Mashing
A paraphilia characterized by recurrent, powerful sexual urges and fantasies that involve rubbing against or touching a non-consenting person. Diagnosis requires that the person act on, or be distressed by, these urges. Reported exclusively among males. May incorporate toucherism. Mostly takes place in crowded places. The man fantasizes about a consenting relationship. Often fleeting contact that goes unnoticed. Many men have difficulty forming relationships with women and are handicapped by fears of rejection. |
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Term
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Definition
| More likely to fantasize about men. Fantasize about a wider range of sexual behaviours. Most common sexual activities are mutual masturbation, oral sex, and deep tongue kissing. Anal sex without condoms was more common among regular partners than casual ones. Most research on sexual behaviour has been focused on risk. |
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Term
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Definition
| Something which causes stress, anxiety, or unhappiness for the individual who engages in it, or if it is non-consensual or harms someone else. |
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Term
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Definition
| In a National Australian survey of heterosexual participants aged 16 - 59, it was found that 95% of sexual encounters included vaginal intercourse; 12% vaginal intercourse alone. Most common combinations were intercourse and manual stimulation of genitals (49%), and intercourse and oral stimulation of genitals (32%). In 95% of encounters, men had orgasms. In 69% of encounters, women had orgasms. Women were more likely to reach orgasm when the encounter included more sexual practices, especially cunnilingus. |
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Term
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Definition
| More likely to fantasize about women. Fantasies tend to be more limited. |
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Term
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Definition
| Flexible in their selection of the gender of the objects of their fantasies. |
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Term
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Definition
| It was being considered for inclusion in the DSM-5, but it was eventually not included. Proposed criteria were similar to those commonly described for sex addiction and compulsive sexual behaviour. Its conceptualization as a mental disorder is highly controversial. |
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Term
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Definition
Auto-erotic asphyxia
A practice in which a person seeks to enhance sexual arousal, usually during masturbation, by depriving themselves of oxygen. A form of sexual masochism. The person may use a plastic bag over the head, noose around the neck, or pressure on the chest, while engaging in some form of sexual stimulation, usually masturbation. They often fantasize that they are being strangled by a lover. They try to discontinue oxygen deprivation before they lose consciousness, but sometimes miscalculations result in death by suffocation or strangulation. |
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Term
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Definition
| Paraphilias may have a complex biopsychosocial origin. |
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Term
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Definition
| An influential writer. The superintendent of the Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan. Believed that sexual desires could be controlled by sticking to a diet of simple foods, especially grains. Invented Corn Flakes with his brother, to decrease sexual desires. Suggested that parents bandage or cage their children's genitals or tie their hands, to prevent masturbation. |
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Term
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Definition
An Ottawa psychiatrist. Suggested a six-level schema for treatment of paraphilias, based on the severity of the deviation. The goal is to suppress deviant fantasies, urges, and behaviours.
1. Cognitive-behavioural treatment
2. Treatment for mild paraphilias: SSRIs such as Prozac
3. SSRIs, and small doses of antiandrogens
4. Antiandrogen or hormonal treatment, for moderate cases
5. Antiandrogen or hormonal treatment by injection, for more severe cases
6. High dosages of an antiandrogen or luteinizing-hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH), administered by a therapist |
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Term
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Definition
| Traces the origins of paraphilias to childhood. Believes that every person has a "lovemap" which forms in the brain during childhood, and contains the images of the person's ideal love, as well as types of stimuli and activities that become sexually arousing to the person. In paraphilias, the lovemap is distorted by early traumatic experiences such as incest, anti-sexual up-bringing, abuse, or neglect. |
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Term
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Definition
| A social psychologist who studies same-sex relationships, and sexual frequency and duration. |
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Term
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Definition
| A Calgary therapist. Found that the wives of cross-dressers required several sessions with therapists to deal with the fear, betrayal, and grief they experience upon learning of their husband's behaviour. Wives were more concerned than their husbands about their children finding out about the cross-dressing. |
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Term
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Definition
| Mutually consenting and unharmful paraphilic behaviours. |
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Term
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Definition
| Almost universal in our culture, but unknown in some societies. Includes simple kissing (mouth closed), and deep kissing (also called French kissing). May be an affectionate gesture without erotic significance. |
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Term
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Definition
| A paraphilia in which sexual arousal is derived from the use of enemas. Generally prefer the receiving role to the giving role. May have derived from sexual pleasure in childhood from the anal stimulation provided when parents gave them enemas. |
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Term
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Definition
| From Toronto. With colleagues, found that 12% of university males and 23% of community males had masturbated while watching females who were unaware of their presence. |
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Term
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Definition
| Surveyed 2,450 Swedes. Found that transvestism occurred in 2.8% of men and 0.4% of women. Transvestism was associated with separation from parents, same-sex experiences, use of pornography, high rates of masturbation, and paraphilias, namely sexual masochism, exhibitionism, and voyeurism. |
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Term
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Definition
Side-entry
The intercourse position where partners lie side-by-side, facing each other. Allows each partner relatively free movement and easy access to each other. Not physically taxing. An excellent position for prolonged coitus, older couples, or couples who are somewhat fatigued, or with pregnant women. |
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Term
| Leopold von Sacher-Masoch |
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Definition
| The Austrian storyteller who wrote tales of men who derived sexual satisfaction from having female partners inflict pain on them, typically by flagellation. |
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Term
| Lesbian and bisexual women |
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Definition
| Flexible in their selection of the gender of the objects in their fantasies. Surveys suggest that the happier they were in their same-sex relationships, the more likely they were to fantasize about common activities with their partners. Sexual techniques practised by lesbians may vary: includes kissing, and manual and oral stimulation of the breasts and genitals. Many couples engage in genital apposition, where they rub genitals together rhythmically. |
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Term
| Madankia, Bartholomew, and Cytrynbaum |
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Definition
| Examined movies produced from 2005 - 2010, to identify common social norms associated with masturbation. Characters were primarily single (84%) and male (75%). Most were heterosexual (82%). In over half of the scenes, the character was interrupted. Most scenes were not depicted as pleasurable or satisfying. Masturbation scenes with female characters were depicted in a more positive light. |
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Term
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Definition
| Conducted a study of 181 women in Alberta aged 18 to 25. Found that 74% had given fellatio at least once, and 72.9% had received cunnilingus at least once. |
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Term
| Male masturbation techniques |
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Definition
| Most men masturbate with manual manipulation of the penis. Gripping the penile shaft with one hand, jerking up and down in a milking motion. Usually shifts from a gentler rubbing action during the flaccid/semi-erect stage, moving to a more vigorous milking motion once fully erect, and speeding up as orgasm approaches. At orgasm, they may grasp the shaft tightly, avoiding touching the glans, which has become sensitive. May use lubricant, such as soapsuds or lotion. |
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Term
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Definition
| Used covert sensitization treatment on 38 pedophiles and 62 exhibitionists, weekly for six months, followed with booster sessions every three months for three years. The procedure resulted in at least 75% reduction in deviant activities and fantasies for more than 80% of the study participants, at follow-up periods of up to 36 months. |
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Term
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Definition
1740 - 1814
A Frenchman who wrote tales of becoming sexually aroused by inflicting pain or humiliation on others. The virtuous Justine, the heroine of his novel Justine, endures terrible suffering at the hands of fiendish men. |
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Term
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Definition
| Proposes a sociological model that focuses on the social context of sadomasochism. S&M rituals generally involve some form of dominance and submission. Attributes their erotic appeal to the opportunity to reverse the customary power relationships that exist between males and females between social classes. |
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Term
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Definition
| Reported never seeing two women masturbate precisely the same way. Observed that gay males spent a good deal of time caressing their partners' bodies before approaching the genitals. After hugging and kissing, 31 of the 42 gay male couples used oral or manual nipple stimulation. |
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Term
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Definition
| Within the Judeo-Christian tradition, self-stimulation has been strongly condemned as sinful. These views were carried into medicine in the 18th century. During the mid-19th century, parents were encouraged to take steps to prevent children from masturbating. Surveys indicate that most people masturbate at some time. Population-based sexual health surveys in USA suggest that it occurs at least occasionally for people aged 18 to 59. Men masturbate more often than women, however many women report masturbation. Women aged 40 - 59 masturbate more often than teenaged women. Men who had more partnered sex had lower masturbation rates. Women who had more partnered sex had higher masturbation rates. People with same-gender partners had higher masturbation rates than those with opposite-gender partners. Frequency of masturbation increases with education. |
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Term
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Definition
| No drug or surgical technique eliminates paraphilic ideas while leaving other cognitive functions intact. Drugs include antidepressants, and antiandrogens. Surgical castration has sometimes been performed on convicted rapists and violent sex offenders. |
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Term
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Definition
Male-superior position
Man-on-top
The intercourse position in which the man is on top. Sometimes taken as a symbol of male domination. Partners face each other, and it is easy to kiss. The man lies above the woman, perhaps supporting himself on his hands and knees. Movement is easier for the man, suggesting that he is responsible for directing their activity. May be pleasurable for the woman to guide the penis into the vagina. The woman can stroke the man's body, buttocks, and scrotum. Makes it difficult for the man to caress the partner, in particular the clitoris. |
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Term
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Definition
| Interviewed a woman about fantasies about being victimized. Found that fantasizing doesn't mean that the fantasizer wants these events to occur in real life. Women who imagine themselves being sexually coerced remain in control of the fantasy; real assault victims are not in control. |
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Term
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Definition
A paraphilia characterized by a desire for sexual activity with a corpse. A rare paraphilia. Some necrophiliacs get jobs where they can access corpses. The primary motivation appears to be desire to completely possess an unresisting and non-rejecting partner. Many necrophiliacs have other serious psychological disorders. Three types are identified:
1. Regular necrophilia: the person has sex with a deceased person
2. Necrophilic homicide: the person commits murder to obtain a corpse for sexual purposes
3. Necrophilic fantasy: the person fantasizes about sex with a corpse, but doesn't actually carry out necrophilic acts. |
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Term
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Definition
| Western society tends to classify behaviour as "normal" or "abnormal". Definitions of normality and abnormality change over time, and can be seen in changing views of sexuality. |
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Term
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Definition
| Includes fellatio and cunnilingus. Popularity increased since the 1940s and 50s. First seen as a way of arousing the couple, particularly the woman, prior to sex. Now an accepted means of pleasure on its own. Common assumptions are that women give oral sex to male partners more than they receive it; women are only slightly less likely to report receiving than giving. It is assumed that oral sex is practised mostly by younger people, but a sizable percentage or people in their 40s to 60s engage in oral sex. Oral sex experience is positively related to level of education. Common among university women and gay and bisexual men. Majority of young adults' oral sex experiences occur within committed relationships. Desire and attraction were reported as the primary motivations to engage in oral sex. 72% of lesbian and bisexual women reported often engaging in oral sex with a partner. Not everyone likes oral sex; some are concerned or embarrassed about direct views of private body parts, some prefer not to taste or swallow semen, and some worry about whether it is accepted by their religion or culture. |
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Term
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Definition
| A method for strengthening the connection between sexual arousal and an appropriate sexual stimulus, such as a fantasy about a consenting adult. Involves repeatedly pairing the desired stimulus with orgasm. A technique used in cognitive-behaviour therapy to help eliminate paraphilic behaviours. The person may be instructed to first become sexually aroused by masturbating to paraphilic images or fantasies, but switch to appropriate imagery as they approach orgasm. Eventually the appropriate images acquire the capacity to elicit sexual arousal. Often combined with other techniques, such as social skills training, so desirable social behaviours can be strengthened. |
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Term
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Definition
| Sexual interest and arousal in response to unusual stimuli, such as children, other nonconsenting persons, non-human objects, or pain and humiliation. In the APA's DSM-5, it is defined as "any intense and persistent sexual interest other than sexual interest in genital stimulation or preparatory fondling with phenotypically normal, physically mature, consenting human partners". Includes kinky sex, and paraphilic disorders. Some are harmless and victimless. Some experts believe that some paraphilias should not be considered psychiatric disorders. Sexual preferences for particular types of people and activities are strongly influenced by cultural values. Perceived as persistent, demanding, compulsive, and uncontrollable. Vary in severity. Often replayed in fantasy. More common among men than women. Prevalence is unknown. Treatment raises a number of issues: many people don't want to seek treatment, health care providers may encounter ethical problems when asked to persuade sex offenders to change their behaviours, health care providers realize they are generally unsuccessful in treating resistant clients, and sex offenders typically claim that they cannot control their impulses. Includes fetishism, partialism, transvestism, exhibitionism, telephone scatologia, voyeurism, sexual masochism, sexual sadism, frotteurism, toucherism, zoopohilia, necrophilia, klismaphilia, copraphilia, urophilia, and pedophilia. |
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Term
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Definition
| A diagnostic designation for a paraphilia that causes the person distress or impairment to the individual, and/or is harmful to the self or other people. Atypical patterns of arousal that become problematic in the eyes of the individual, or potentially cause harm. |
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Term
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Definition
| A fetishism-related paraphilia in which sexual arousal is exaggeratedly associated with a particular body part, such as feet, breasts, or buttocks. Most are harmless. |
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Term
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Definition
| An Ottawa psychiatrist at Royal Ottawa Hospital. Says a major factor in delineating paraphilic disorders is that they "involve sex without the possibility of a consensual, mutually reciprocal relationship". Argues that acceptance of the concept of hypersexuality as a mental disorder would pathologize consensual sexual thoughts and behaviours by linking them with psychiatric problems such as addiction, anxiety, depression, and compulsions. Concerned that people with mood disorders will instead be labelled hypersexual, and as a result will not receive appropriate treatment. |
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Term
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Definition
| A person with pedophilia, a paraphilia that involves sexual interest in children. |
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Term
| Psychoanalytic perspectives |
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Definition
| Paraphilias are caused by psychological defenses, usually against unresolved castration anxiety, and repressed feelings of guilt and shame. |
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Term
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Definition
| Focuses on resolving unconscious conflicts that are believed to originate in childhood, and give rise to pathological problems such as paraphilias in adulthood. Has not been subjected to experimental analysis, so it is not known how effective this approach is in treating paraphilias. |
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Term
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Definition
| The intercourse position where the man faces his partner's back. The man may enjoy viewing and pressing his abdomen against his partner's buttocks. The man can reach around to provide extra stimulation of the breasts or buttocks. The partner can reach behind to stroke the testicles. Some couples feel uncomfortable with this position because of the association with animal mating patterns, the man being psychologically in charge, or perceive it to be impersonal to not be face-to-face. |
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Term
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Definition
| An Ontario criminologist. Followed nearly 800 sex offenders from the 1960s to the 2000s. Found that only half wanted and completed courses of treatment. Many were seen by health care providers only when they came into conflict with the law, or at the urging of family members or partners. |
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Term
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Definition
| Men with these fantasies are more likely to be socially isolated and emotionally unstable. The extent to which these fantasies contribute to crimes remains unclear. Professionals sometimes help change these fantasies. Fantasizing does not mean that the fantasizer wants these events to occur. |
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Term
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Definition
| A mutually gratifying sexual interaction between consenting partners, in which sexual arousal is associated with inflicting and receiving pain or humiliation. Includes bondage and discipline. Occasional S&M is common in the general population. Most experiences are time-limited, but some are 24/7 slave-master relationships. Becomes pathological when fantasies are acted on in ways that become destructive, dangerous, or distressing to either partner. Some practices can be dangerous. There is a subculture of practisers. Often involves highly elaborate rituals. Psychological pain is as common as physical pain. Extreme forms of pain are rarely reported, such as torture or severe beatings. Participation varies in terms of gender and sexual orientation. There are negative stereotypes that people who engage in S&M are mentally disturbed; research does not support this view. There is no evidence that people involved in S&M are distressed or dysfunctional. Provides the opportunity to reverse customary power relationships between sexes and social classes. |
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Term
| Sarah Vannier and Lucia O'Sullivan |
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Definition
| From University of New Brunswick. Conducted an online survey assessing the sexual histories of heterosexual young adults. Found that the majority of oral sex encounters occurred within committed relationships and during an encounter that also included intercourse. People were motivated to have oral sex by desire and attraction to their partner, or to enhance emotional connection. |
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Term
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Definition
| Conceptualized as similar to other addictions. A sex addict engages in sexual behaviour to relieve anxiety, but doesn't feel a high level of sexual gratification. Experiences withdrawal symptoms. Treatment is similar to that for other addictions. |
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Term
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Definition
| Limited research. However, one study conducted at Trent University and University of British Columbia found that sexual dreams appear to be common among university students. Most rated the dreams as pleasurable as having sexual intercourse. Most common sexual dream activities were kissing and sexual intercourse. Most dreamed about behaviours they had engaged in with partners. |
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Term
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Definition
| There is significant variation in human sexual expression. Biology is not destiny. Cultural expectations, personal values, and individual experiences determine sexual behaviour. |
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Term
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Definition
| Mental imagery that is sexually arousing or erotic. Can occur because an individual wants them to, such as during masturbation, or spontaneously without conscious effort. May range from a brief, erotic mental picture, to a lengthy, highly explicit scenario. Most people have sexual fantasies of some kind. May be experienced without sexual behaviour, as dreams or daydreams, or both. Most consider it as acceptable. Can heighten arousal during sexual activity with a partner. Men report engaging in more sexual fantasies than women. Fantasies are common in long-term relationships. Women report more frequent and various fantasies during ovulation. Testosterone levels are related to frequency. There is no connection between having fantasies during partnered sex and sexual dissatisfaction. Women in relationships are more likely to fantasize about prior sex partners. Men were more likely to fantasize about forcing women into sexual activity, and women were more likely to fantasize about being forced. Fantasies do not mean that the person wants to participate in the activity. Fantasies during partnered sex may include making love to another partner, group sex, images of past lovers, special erotic experiences, and making love in fantastic places. Evolutionary theorists propose that men and women fantasize about partners and behaviours that would enhance reproductive success; men fantasize about sex with different partners, and women fantasize about familiar lovers. Others say sexual fantasies are a reflection of traditional sexual scripts and gender roles. |
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| Named after Leopold von Sacher-Masoch. A paraphilia characterized by the desire or need for pain or humiliation to enhance sexual arousal and attain gratification. The most common paraphilia among women. Can range from relatively benign to potentially lethal practices, such as hypoxyphilia. Association of sexual arousal with mildly painful stimuli is actually quite common. Pain increases overall bodily arousal, which may enhance sexual excitement. When desire for pain for the purposes of sexual arousal overshadows other sources of stimulation, or when masochistic experiences causes physical or psychological harm, it is considered abnormal. |
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| A person who becomes sexually aroused by experiencing pain or humiliation inflicted by a sexual partner. May act on, or be distressed by, persistent urges and sexual fantasies involving the desire to be bound, flogged, humiliated, or made to suffer in some way in order to achieve sexual excitement. Sometimes they cannot become aroused unless they experience pain or humiliation. May derive pleasure from various punishing experiences, including being bound, blindfolded, spanked, whipped, perform humiliating acts, or subjected to vulgar insults. The pain must be part of an elaborate sexual ritual in order to provide erotic gratification. Often forms a relationship with a sexual sadist, so they may fulfill each other's needs. |
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| Named after Marquis de Sade. A paraphilia characterized by the desire to inflict pain or humiliation on others in order to enhance sexual arousal. |
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| A person who becomes sexually aroused by inflicting pain or humiliation on a sexual partner. Often forms a relationship with a sexual masochist, so they may fulfill each other's needs. May act on, or be distressed by urges. Some cannot become sexually aroused unless they make their partners suffer. Some hurt or humiliate willing partners. A small minority stalk and attack non-consenting victims. |
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| Something which adheres to accepted norms of a society. |
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| A method of behaviour therapy that relies on coaching and practice to build social skills. A technique used in cognitive-behaviour therapy to help eliminate paraphilic behaviours. Focuses on helping the individual improve their ability to relate to the other gender. The therapist might first model a desired behaviour, such as asking a woman out on a date, or handling rejection, then the client role-plays the behaviour. The therapist provides feedback and additional guidance to help the client improve their skills. |
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| Sociological perspectives |
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| Focuses on the effects of the group and society on individual and group behaviour, including paraphilias. |
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354 - 430 CE
An influential philosopher and theologian. Associated sexual desire with original sin, and argued that all non-procreative sex, including masturbation, was sinful. These views were carried into medicine in the 18th century, when sin was translated into disease. |
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| Something that occurs within only a small percentage of people. By definition, abnormal and deviant. |
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| Systematic desensitization |
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| A method for terminating the connection between a stimulus (such as a fetishistic object) and an inappropriate response (such as sexual arousal to the paraphilic stimulus). The individual practises muscle relaxation in the presence of a series of increasingly arousing stimuli, until they learn to remain relaxed, and not sexually aroused, in their presence. A technique used in cognitive-behavioural therapy to help eliminate paraphilic behaviours. |
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| A type of lovemaking that emphasizes prolonged foreplay. Based on Eastern spiritual philosophies that promote the integration of the mind and body. Focuses on sexual union as a spiritual connection that leads to heightened sexual pleasure and ecstasy. Includes deep breathing, slowed sexual interactions, and delayed ejaculation. |
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| From University of Guelph. Found that 89% of female students had engaged in oral sex with their most recent partners. About half reported that they engaged in oral sex most of the time when having sexual relations with partners. |
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Obscene phone calling
A paraphilia characterized by the making of obscene phone calls. The caller utters obscenities and sexual provocations to a non-consenting person. Practisers may also send obscene texts, emails, instant messages, and chatroom messages. Behaviours are sometimes considered a form of exhibitionism. Usually males who become sexually aroused by shocking their victims. Women who do so are usually motivated by rage for some actual or fantasized rejection rather than the desire for sexual excitement. There are many patterns of obscene phone calling. Typically the caller is a socially inadequate heterosexual male who has difficulty forming relationships with women. Respond to an obscene phone call by remaining calm, and not revealing shock or fright; hang up; or advise that they seek professional help. To prevent getting obscene phone calls, request an unlisted number or call tracing. |
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| A practice related to frotteurism, characterized by the persistent urge to fondle non-consenting strangers. |
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| Caressing erogenous zones with the hands or other parts of the body. Can be highly arousing. A common form of foreplay. Women prefer stimulation around the clitoris rather than on the sensitive glans; often not manual penetration. Men typically like their partners to gently stroke their genitals early in sexual interaction. Women prefer partners to caress genitals after a period of general body contact. |
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| Transgender people usually cross-dress before transitioning, because they are uncomfortable with the attire associated with their anatomic sex, and wish to be members of the other sex. Not to be confused with transvestism. |
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Transvestitism
A paraphilia in which a person repeatedly cross-dresses to achieve sexual arousal or gratification, or is troubled by persistent, recurring urges to cross-dress. A fetish where the fetishistic object is clothing of the other gender, which is found sexually alluring only by wearing it. Most transvestites are male, and it has been described in both heterosexual and gay men. Many are in committed male-female relationships and are otherwise stereotypically masculine in behaviour. Not to be confused with transgenderism. Many transvestites have masculine gender identities, and do not seek to change their anatomic sex. Origins are largely unknown, but has been associated with separation from parents, same-sex sexual experiences, use of pornography, high rates of masturbation, and other paraphilias. The individual may use a single item of clothing, or a whole outfit. |
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| A paraphilia in which sexual arousal is associated with urine. The person may feel the urge to be urinated on, or to urinate on a sexual partner. May have childhood origins. |
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| A paraphilia characterized by strong, repetitive urges and sexual fantasies related to observing unsuspecting strangers who are naked, disrobing, or engaged in sexual relations. The voyeur becomes sexually aroused by the act of watching, but typically does not seek sexual relations with the people they observe. More common among males. Usually begins before age 15. May include masturbation during or afterwards. Small cameras and lenses can make voyeurism easier, such as videotaping or taking pictures of people in washrooms or changerooms, landlords spying on tenants, and attaching a small camera to a shoe in order to look up women's skirts. In 2005, Parliament passed legislation that made it a crime to record or secretly observe where privacy is expected. |
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| A paraphilia involving persistent or repeated sexual urges and fantasies that involve sexual contact with animals. One of the less common paraphilias. Often associated with other disorders. May act on these urges with bestiality, or be distressed by these urges. |
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