SEXUAL DEVIANCE
In 750-1,000 words, do the following:
1. Define "sexual deviance" in your own words.
2. Describe different forms of sexual deviance that exist.
3. Analyze whether sexual deviance may derive from psychological or biological issues.
4. Analyze whether the field of psychopathology can provide solutions to the problem of sexual deviance.
Sample Solution
What is sexual deviance?
Sexual deviance is a broad term that refers to any sexual behavior that is considered to be outside of the norm. This can include behaviors that are illegal, harmful, or simply considered to be strange or unusual. There is no single definition of sexual deviance, as what is considered deviant can vary depending on cultural norms and individual beliefs.
Different forms of sexual deviance
There are many different forms of sexual deviance, some of which are more common than others. Some examples of sexual deviance include:
- Rape: Rape is the act of forcing someone to have sexual intercourse against their will. It is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences for the victim.
- Child sexual abuse: Child sexual abuse is any sexual activity involving a child. It is a form of child abuse that can have lasting physical and psychological harm for the victim.
- Incest: Incest is sexual activity between close relatives. It is illegal in most countries and can have a devastating impact on families.
- Zoophilia: Zoophilia is sexual attraction to animals. It is considered to be a form of animal abuse and can be harmful to both the animal and the person engaging in the behavior.
- Necrophilia: Necrophilia is sexual attraction to corpses. It is considered to be a form of grave robbing and can be harmful to both the victim and the person engaging in the behavior.
- Childhood trauma: People who have experienced childhood trauma, such as sexual abuse, may be more likely to engage in sexual deviance as adults.
- Mental illness: People with certain mental illnesses, such as personality disorders and mood disorders, may be more likely to engage in sexual deviance.
- Substance abuse: People who abuse drugs or alcohol may be more likely to engage in sexual deviance.
- Learning: People may learn to engage in sexual deviance through exposure to it in their environment, such as through pornography or through contact with other people who engage in deviant behaviors.
- Genetics: There is some evidence to suggest that sexual deviance may be partly hereditary.
- Brain abnormalities: People with certain brain abnormalities may be more likely to engage in sexual deviance.
- Hormonal imbalances: People with hormonal imbalances may be more likely to engage in sexual deviance.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help people to identify and change the thoughts and beliefs that contribute to their deviant behavior.
- Psychodynamic therapy: Psychodynamic therapy can help people to understand the underlying psychological issues that may be contributing to their deviant behavior.
- Medication: Medication may be used to treat certain biological factors that may be contributing to sexual deviance.