Common but Rarely Discussed: Research Shows Paraphilias More Prevalent Than Previously Thought

Have you ever heard of paraphilia? Probably not. Well, Dr. Mark Griffiths, who researches sexual perversions and paraphilias, explains in an article in “The Conversation” that while to many people paraphilias may seem “bizarre or socially unacceptable” this is more common than you think.

Paraphilia refers to a group of mental disorders characterized by intense and recurrent sexual urges, fantasies, or behaviors involving objects, activities, or situations that are atypical in nature. These urges, fantasies, or behaviors cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

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It’s important to note that having a paraphilia does not necessarily mean that a person will act on those urges or fantasies. However, some paraphilias, such as pedophilia, can lead to harmful and illegal behaviors.

“To many people paraphilias may seem bizarre or socially unacceptable, representing the extreme end of the sexual continuum – and in some cases, such as zoophilia (having sex with animals) and necrophilia (having sex with dead people), may be illegal,” wrote Dr. Mark Griffiths. “Paraphilias may be laughed off, dismissed or leave some people disgusted, but there’s a pressing need for more research into uncommon sexual behavior given how little we know.”

Paraphilias, often met with ridicule, dismissal, or disgust, warrant serious scientific investigation. Despite their commonality in the human experience, sexual fantasies and behaviors remain largely unexplored. What constitutes “normal” sexuality is fluid, shifting with societal and historical norms. Yet, sexual desires deemed deviant or immoral inevitably carry a heavy stigma.

“Researching paraphilias, even the most distasteful or criminal, is essential to help safeguard vulnerable groups. Research can also help minimize the discrimination faced by those with uncommon sexual interests, helping ensure their access to sexual health care and psychological support, which can be lacking,” said Dr. Griffiths.

Professor Griffiths is Distinguished Professor of Behavioral Addictions, and is a Chartered Psychologist and Director of the International Gaming Research Unit. He mostly teaches on areas related to his research interests on various undergraduate and postgraduate Psychology programs. His main teaching interests are in the areas of abnormal, social and health psychology with particular emphasis on behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling addiction, videogame addiction, Internet addiction, sex addiction, exercise addiction, work addiction, etc.), cyberpsychology and the psychology of sexual behavior. In 2006, he was awarded the British Psychological Society’s highest teaching honor (‘Excellence in Teaching of Psychology Award’).