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Sexual Variants, Abuse, and
Dysfunctions
Psychological problems that make
sexual fulfillment especially difficult for
some people who develop unusual
sexual interests that are difficult to
satisfy in a socially acceptable manner.
Sociocultural Influences on Sexual
Practices and Standards
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Degeneracy Theory
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Semen necessary for male physical and sexual
vigor
Abstinence Theory (1830’s) Graham and Kellogg
 “Secret vice” causes physical symptoms &
insanity
Ritualized Homosexuality (E.G. Sambia)
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(1750’s) Simon Tissot
Semen conservation and female pollution
Homosexuality and American Psychology
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Sickness. Change in DSM II 1973 (2-6%)
Sexual and Gender Variants
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Paraphilias- group of persistent sexual
behavior patterns in which unusual
objects, rituals, or situations are required
for full sexual satisfaction.
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Characterized by a compulsive quality.
Distinguished by the insistence and relative
exclusivity with which sexuality focuses on the
acts or objects in question without which
orgasm is often impossible.
Relational dissatisfaction with partner who
discovers themselves to be an object in the
paraphilic’s drama.
The Paraphilias I.

Fetishism
 Sexual
variant in which sexual interest centers
on some inanimate object or nonsexual part of
the body.
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Transvestic Fetishism
 Achievement
of sexual arousal and satisfaction
by dressing as a member of the opposite sex.
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Voyeurism
 Achievement
of sexual arousal through
clandestine “peeping”.

Exhibitionism
 Intentional
exposure of genitals to others
without their consent.
Paraphilias II.

Sexual Sadism
 Achievement
of sexual stimulation and
gratification by inflicting physical or psychic
pain or humiliation on a sexual partner.

Sexual Masochism
 Achievement
of sexual stimulation and
gratification from experiencing pain or
degradation in relating to a lover.

Frotteurism
 Achievement
of sexual stimulation and
gratification from rubbing against a nonconsenting person.
Paraphilias: Causal Factors
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Male
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Visual Sexual Imagery
Perhaps men are more dependent on physical
stimuli more than women.
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Erotic Target Location Theory
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Current hit on internet pornography sites for females 45%
Application of classical conditioning to sexual
preferences
Most have more than one.
Paraphilias: Treatment
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Aversion Therapy
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Electric Shock
Assisted Covert Sensitization
Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment
Sexual Abuse
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Sexual contact that involves physical aor
psychological coercion or at least one
individual who cannot reasonably consent to
contact.
Childhood Sexual Abuse
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Definition (rates 5-30%)
Related to ptsd, personality disorders,
dissociative symptoms, aversion to sex, sexual
inappropriateness, low self-esteem, etc.
False Memory Syndrome
Sexual Abuse II.
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Pedophilia
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A paraphilia in which an adult’s preferred or
exclusive sexual partner is a prepubertal child.
Treatment
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Cognitive Restructuring
Social Skills Training
Castration
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High recidivism rate 25-50%
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Human Sexuality
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Considered One of the Major Motives of Life
Sexual Dysfunctions
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Definition- Impairment either in the desire for
sexual gratification or in the ability to achieve it.
Four Phases of Human Sexual Response
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Desire
Excitement
Orgasm
Resolution
Excitement
Plateau
Orgasm
Resolution
Dysfunction can occur at any of the first three
phases.
Sexual Dysfunction: Prevalence
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Altogether 45% of men and 55% of
women reported some dysfunction during
the last year.
Women
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33% report lack of sexual interest
24% report inability to experience orgasm
Men
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29% reported climaxing to early
17% reported sexual anxiety
16% reported lack of sexual interest
Dysfunctions of Sexual Desire
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Sexual Desire Disorders
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
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A sexual dysfunction in which a person shows
little or no sexual drive or interest.
Sexual Aversive Disorder
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A sexual dysfunction in which the person
shows extreme aversion to, and avoidance of,
all genital sexual contact with a partner
Dysfunction of Sexual Arousal
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Male Erectile Disorder
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A sexual dysfunction in which a man is unable
to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient
for successful sexual intercourse (impotence).
Female Sexual Arousal Disorder
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A sexual dysfunction involving the absence of
sexual arousal feelings and unresponsiveness
to most or all forms of erotic stimulation.
Orgasmic Disorders
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Premature Ejaculation
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Male Orgasmic Disorder
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Persistent and recurrent onset of orgasm and ejaculation
with minimal sexual stimulation, occurring before, at, or
shortly after penetration and before the man wants it to.
A persistent delay in the ability to ejaculate or an inability
to ejaculate during intercourse following a normal sexual
excitement phase.
Female Orgasmic Disorder
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Persistent or recurrent delay in or absence of orgasm
following a normal sexual excitement phase.
Dysfunctions Involving Physical
Pain
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Vaginismus (see next slide)
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Involuntary spasm of the muscles at the
entrance to the vagina that prevents
penetration and sexual intercourse.
Dyspareunia
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Painful coitus (typically has an organic cause)
Functional Dyspareunia- psychologically based
problem related to aversion to sexual
intercourse.
Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction:
consider Pro and Cons
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Medication (viagra)
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Sensate Focus
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Orgasmic, Vaginismus
Use of Dilators of Increasing Size
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Erectile and perhaps female sexual arousal.
Vaginismus
Cognitive-Behavioral (see next slide)
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Dyspareunia, vaginismus, erectile, premature