Paraphilias are a set of atypical sexual behaviors that involve specific objects, situations or people. These behaviors often generate controversy and debate in the field of psychology and society in general. In this article, we will explore the eight most common types of paraphilias, their classification and distinctive characteristics.
1. Voyeuristic paraphilia
Voyeuristic paraphilia involves sexual arousal by observing people naked or engaging in sexual activities without their knowledge. People with this paraphilia often experience an intense feeling of power and arousal when observing others in intimate situations. The act of spying often becomes a compulsion that can interfere with the individual's daily life and cause problems in interpersonal relationships.
Characteristics:
- Arousal when observing to people without their consent.
- It can lead to invasive and sometimes illegal behavior.
- It is related to the feeling of power and control over other people's privacy.
2. Exhibitionist paraphilia
Individuals with exhibitionist paraphilia experience sexual arousal by exposing their genitals to people without their consent. This behavior can manifest itself in the public exhibition of sexual organs in places such as parks, buses or shopping centers. The person who exhibits seeks the reaction of shock or surprise in his spectators as part of the sexual stimulus.
Characteristics:
- Recurrent impulse to expose the genitals to strangers. li>
- Arousal comes from the shock reaction of others.
- It can lead to legal consequences and problems of social adjustment.
3. Sadomasochistic paraphilia
Sadomasochistic paraphilia involves obtaining sexual pleasure through the application or receipt of physical pain, humiliation, or control in the context of a consensual sexual relationship. This practice can include elements such as domination, submission, role-playing, and using utensils to provoke extreme physical sensations. Although it may be disconcerting for some individuals, in a safe and consensual environment it can be a valid form of sexual expression.
Characteristics:
- Sexual pleasure derived from pain, humiliation or consented control.
- Requires a prior and explicit agreement between the parties involved.
- Explores dynamics of power and submission in a safe and controlled way.
4. Fetish paraphilia
Fetish paraphilia involves persistent and recurrent sexual arousal associated with an inanimate object or a specific body part. Fetishes can be diverse, from clothing to shoes, latex suits or any other object that arouses arousal in the individual. Sometimes, fetishism can interfere with the individual's daily life if fetish fantasies become the only source of sexual arousal.
Characteristics:
- Dependency on an object or part of the body for sexual arousal.
- It can rise to an exclusive preference for the fetish to the detriment of other sexual practices.
- The presence of the fetish is necessary for full sexual arousal.
5. Zoophilic paraphilia
Zoophilic paraphilia involves sexual attraction to non-human animals and the search for sexual relations with them. This behavior is considered illegal and highly harmful to both animals and the individual. Zoophilia may be associated with underlying psychological disorders and difficulties in establishing healthy interpersonal relationships.
Characteristics:
- Exclusive sexual interest in non-human animals.
- Illegal and harmful behavior for animals.
- May indicate the presence of deeper psychological disorders.
6. Necrophilic paraphilia
Necrophilic paraphilia involves sexual attraction to human corpses. This type of paraphilia is extremely rare and is usually associated with serious psychological disorders. People with necrophilia may seek to have sexual relations with recently deceased corpses, which raises serious legal and ethical implications in terms of sexual misconduct.
Characteristics:
- Attraction sexual towards human corpses.
- Highly disturbing and harmful behavior.
- Associated with serious psychological disorders that require professional intervention.
7. Coprophilic paraphilia
Coprophilic paraphilia involves sexual attraction to feces or other fecal materials. People with this paraphilia may experience sexual arousal when interacting with feces, whether through observation, direct contact, or ingestion. This behavior is considered highly harmful to the physical and mental health of the person involved, as well as to their social and emotional environment.
Characteristics:
- Sexual attraction to feces and fecal matter.
- Behavior that may involve risks to the health and well-being of the individual.
- Considered highly inappropriate and harmful in the social and personal sphere.
8. Pedophilic paraphilia
Pedophilic paraphilia involves sexual attraction to prepubescent or pubescent children. This type of paraphilia is considered one of the most serious and worrying due to the irreversible damage it can cause to the minors involved. Pedophilia is a sexual disorder that requires psychological intervention and specialized treatments to prevent abuse and protect vulnerable children.
Characteristics:
- Sexual attraction to prepubescent or adolescent children puberty stage.
- Considered as one of the most serious and harmful sexual disorders.
- Requires professional intervention and protective measures to prevent child abuse.
In conclusion, paraphilias are atypical sexual behaviors that can be disturbing and harmful both for the person who experiences them and for those around them. It is essential to address these behaviors from a clinical and therapeutic perspective to prevent harm and promote the sexual and emotional well-being of affected individuals.