Patterns of appropriate and deviant sexual arousal: the behavioral treatment of multiple sexual deviations.

Abstract

Single-subject experimental methodology was used to evaluate the relationship between distinct patterns of deviant sexual arousal and heterosexual arousal. Five subjects, each exhibiting two patterns of deviant arousal, were successfully treated with covert sensitization. Physiological and self-report measures of arousal revealed that heterosexual arousal did not increase as deviant arousal declined, and deviant arousal did not decline as heterosexual arousal increased. Each pattern of deviant arousal did not decline until sequentially treated with covert sensitization. In addition, covert sensitization was effective in treating a wide variety of deviant arousal patterns. The theoretical and clinical implications of a functional independence among various patterns of sexual arousal are discussed. Sexual functioning is a multifaceted phenomenon in which a particular individual may exhibit excesses or deficits in a variety of areas. Barlow (1974) has outlined four components of sexual functioning: heterosexual arousal, heterosocial skills, deviant arousal, and gender role deviation. He suggested that a thorough assessment of each area be completed prior to formulation of a treatment plan. Within this framework, deviant arousal is only one facet of a person's sexual functioning. Most research on sexual deviation has concentrated solely on eliminating deviant arousal (Wilson & Davison, 1974) while overlooking other potentially important areas of sexual functioning. This approach found its origin in the notion that a prepotent heterosexuality would emerge in the absence of deviant arousal. For example, in speaking of sexual deviants, Bond and Evans (1967) stated that it is probable that if they can abstain from their deviant behavior for a sufficient period of time, normal outlets for the control of sexual arousal will develop (p. 1162). Accordingly, the belief arose that heterosexual re