An exploration of racial and ethnic differences in paraphilic interests and behaviours among a nonoffending sample

Abstract

ABSTRACT Paraphilic interests are often associated with sexual offending and recidivism, and therefore, accurately identifying paraphilias is crucial. Recently, there has been increased recognition of diversity as it relates to sexual offending; however, few studies have examined race/ethnicity as it pertains to paraphilias, and those that have are often limited to forensic samples. Given that important decisions such as post-incarceration civil confinement are, in part, based upon paraphilia diagnoses, information concerning population base rates of paraphilic interests and behaviours, and how they may vary by race/ethnicity, is needed. The current study explored racial/ethnic differences in paraphilic interests/behaviour among a non-offending U.S. sample of 2,292 participants over age 18, using a measure adherent to the DSM-5-TR paraphilia criteria. The findings revealed group differences, highlighting the need for further research examining these differences. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT The results provide information regarding potential racial/ethnic differences in self-reported paraphilic interests and behaviour among a general population, non-offending sample. This information will assist clinicians who evaluate and diagnose paraphilic interests and disorders and represents a contribution to the larger goal of informing best practices for culturally competent risk assessment and evaluation, treatment, and prevention of sexual abuse.