Portraits of Sadism and Masochism Since he was a teenager, Carl has thought about being restrained, humiliated, or abused in a sexual way. Jenny was reading the personals section of the classifieds when she came across an ad from a person requesting a “sex slave.” She immediately ignored the ad, but then found herself excited by it and drawn back in. Definitions and Key Thoughts for Sadism and Masochism Sexual sadism and sexual masochism are two separate psychological disorders and each are categorized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM-IV) as a paraphilia, which is a sexual disorder characterized by socially unacceptable preoccupations or behaviors (other paraphilias include voyeurism, exhibitionism, and fetishism). Sadism and masochism are characterized by feelings of sexual pleasure or gratification when inflicting suffering on another person, or having it inflicted upon one’s self, respectively. The official DSM-IV criteria for sexual … [Read more...]
Overcoming Voyeurism, Voyeuristic Disorder, Peeping Tom Behavior
The Problem with Voyeurism Christine has always kept to herself. However, recently on a summer camping trip, she realized that from her dormitory she can see right into the boys' shower room. She tried to ignore the opportunity to “peep” but couldn’t help herself. Now she’s always looking for another opportunity to take a peek. “You don’t understand. I live in New York City — everyone looks!” says Bob, at his court appointed counseling session. "I’m not the only person with a telescope in his apartment, and if people cared, even a little, they would draw their blinds!" Voyeurism: Definitions and Key Thoughts Voyeurism is classified by the American Psychiatric Association as a paraphilia, which is a sexual disorder characterized by socially inappropriate behaviors (other paraphilias include exhibitionism, and frotteurism). Some experts has made cases that the United States is becoming a more voyeuristic culture with the introduction of “reality television.” A person to … [Read more...]
Overcoming Pedophilia: Facts, Research, and Counseling Treatment Strategies
Profiles of Pedophilia Andy has a secret he has never told anyone — “No one would understand. I don’t even understand it myself,” he thinks to himself. Even though he has never acted on his sexual urges toward children, he feels overcome with guilt, and feels so very dirty. He hated himself so much for what goes on in his head, he is even considering killing himself. Lois spent the afternoon at the police station, bailing out her husband. “Child pornography!?” she says to Bob. “You should be ashamed of yourself. You make me sick!” Bob sits quietly during the car ride home, feeling both ashamed and sick. John has suffered from pedophilia since he was a teenager. He speaks to a room of men and women with the same problem. “We all have our struggles, and this one is mine,” he says. “I’m happily married, and I’m proud to say I have never in my life acted on ‘the urge.” He assures the group that no matter what has occurred in their pasts that there is healing to be … [Read more...]