Behavioural approaches to the management of sexual deviations.

Abstract

The history of treatment approaches used to help individuals troubled by sexual deviation or variation is notable for the way it has reflected the changing attitudes of both society and medicine to such behaviour. In recent years the range of behavioural techniques has broadened considerably with the introduction of, for example, cognitive forms of treatment and a change in emphasis away from the suppression of deviant sexual behaviour and towards the positive development of desired behaviour. In addition, as with behaviour therapy in general, a more flexible approach to management has developed with much greater emphasis on designing treatment on the basis of each individual patient's needs. Furthermore, there has been a marked reduction in the number of requests received for help with deviant sexual interest. This reflects both the changes that are occurring in social attitudes to sexuality in general, and homosexuality in particular, which have reduced the pressures on individuals to abandon their personal styles of sexual behaviour, and the development of self-help groups and minority organisations.