Chapter 16
Paraphilias and Sexual Variants
What do we mean by the following 4 definitions of abnormality:
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deviation from the average
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deviation from social norms
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inability to function effectively
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lack of a sense of well-being?
How are these definitions similar and different? Which
would be the best from a mental health perspective? Are behaviors consistently
considered normal or abnormal according to all four definitions?
Define paraphilia.
What is the difference between an atypical behavior and
an abnormal one?
What is a fetish? What two types are there? Are there
any subcategories within these two types? What are they? How do fetishes
probably form?
What is transvestism? What is the difference between transvestism
and cross-dressing? How does transvestism compare to a fetish?
What is sadism, masochism and sadomasochism? Describe
their relationship to each other. What is more important in this behavior:
the physical sensation of pain or the psychological aspects? Why? How does
bondage, and master/slave relationships fit in with this discussion?
What are 4 courtship disorders? Compare and contrast them.
How are they related to each other? Describe the factors that encourage
them.
What is nymphomania and satyriasis? How are they the same
and how are they different? How are they different from sexual addiction?
Define/describe the following:
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telephone scatophilia
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bestiality
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necrophilia.
What are some variations of necrophilia?
What is the difference between atypical and abnormal activities?
List and describe 3 types of atypical activities that are not abnormal.
List examples of treatments for paraphilias that could
be described more aptly as punishments? List some treatments that are more
recent and more legitimate.
What is the difference between surgical and chemical castration?
Define both. How have they been used as treatments for paraphilias?
How has psychosurgery been used as a treatment for paraphilias?
Is it successful? Why?
Describe the following types of treatments for paraphilias
and the reasoning behind them:
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psychodynamic
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orgasmic reconditioning
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aversion therapy
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humanistic (social skills training).
This is not necessarily a complete list of topics covered.
Please consult your text and lecture notes for omissions.
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