Sexual Fantasies Research Articles

Does Pornography Presuppose Rape Myths?

AbstractRae Langton and Caroline West argue that pornography silences women by presupposing misogynistic attitudes, such as that women enjoy being raped. More precisely, they claim that a somewhat infamous pictorial, ‘Dirty Pool’, makes such presuppositions, and that it is typical in this respect. I argue for four claims. (1) There are empirical reasons to doubt that women are silenced in the way that Langton and West claim they are. (2) There is no evidence that very much pornography makes the sorts of presuppositions that Langton and West's explanation of silencing requires it to make. (3) Even ‘Dirty Pool’, for all its other problems, does not make such presuppositions. (4) Langton and West misread ‘Dirty Pool’ because they do not take proper account of the fact that pornography often traffics in sexual fantasy. The broader lesson is that we need to read pornography more sensitively if we are to understand its capacity to shape socio‐sexual norms (for good or for ill).

Intervention Needs in Prison With Pedophile Inmates

There are specific treatment programs in prisons for those convicted of sexually assaulting minors; however, those who also have pedophilia require specific attention. The aim of this study is twofold: first, to offer a specific intervention proposal for pedophilia in the prison setting based on the available scientific evidence, and complementary to the Sexual Assault Control Program, and second, to justify this proposal through the case of an inmate with pedophilia. Specifically, we propose an individual intervention focused on people with pedophilia; working on low self-esteem, assessing suicidal ideation, and restructuring cognitive distortions with minors, facilitating the creation of functional personal relationships with adults, assessing past polyvictimization and its possible influence on subsequent sexual behavior, providing inmates with psychoeducation on pedophilia; specifically addressing sexual fantasies with minors, avoiding dissexual behavior, and eliminating the consumption of abusive material.

Developmental and Psychological Profile of Men Who Have Committed Sadistic Sexual Aggression against Women

The aims of the current study were twofold: (1) to identify factors that distinguish men who commit sadistic sexual aggression from those who do not; and (2) to investigate the developmental trajectories leading to sexual sadism. The study sample was composed of 206 men who had committed sexual aggression against women (69 men who had committed sadistic sexual aggression; 137 men who had committed nonsadistic sexual aggression), all of whom were incarcerated in Quebec (Canada). The Severe Sexual Sadism Scale (SESAS), an empirically validated instrument, was used to characterize the participants. Bivariate (χ2) analyses were performed. Our results revealed that men who had committed sadistic sexual aggression against women differed from others in several respects, notably developmental (e.g., emotional and physical abuse), psychological (e.g., avoidant and narcissistic personality profiles), sexological (e.g., deviant sexual fantasies), and criminological (e.g., a structured modus operandi, use of a weapon, anal penetration). Structural equation modeling analysis identified a developmental trajectory leading to the commission of sadistic sexual aggression. Theoretical and clinical implications of our results are discussed.

Navigating the Nexus: Childhood Trauma, Sexually Coercive Behaviour, Dark Tetrad Personality Traits, and Sexual Fantasy

This critical review examines research on childhood trauma, personality traits, sexual fantasy, and sexually coercive behaviour. While each of these areas has been extensively studied in isolation, there is a notable lack of comprehensive research that investigates these variables collectively. This review aims to bridge this gap by synthesizing existing knowledge and emphasizing the need for a more integrated approach. Studies have uncovered intriguing links between childhood trauma, the influence of personality traits on sexual fantasies, and the potential connection between sexual fantasies and sexually coercive behaviour. However, the intricate interplay among these variables remains largely investigated in empirical research. By consolidating the research on these various relationships, this review underscores the importance of gaining a more holistic and nuanced understanding of existing complex dynamics. This work serves as a foundational step towards encouraging future research exploring these variables, assisting in elucidating their collective influence on human behaviour.

CONSTRUCTING AND MARKETING SEXUAL FANTASY: ANALYZING THE SOCIAL MEDIA OF SEX ROBOTS

Since the release of sex robots in 2017 by RealDoll, they have been marketed as companions and sexual fantasies. Social media platforms provide RealDoll and its affiliates the opportunity to justify and celebrate the creation of a responsive sex robot directly to the public and potential consumers. To expand the fourth level of abstraction of mass media within the social construction of technology theory, this paper investigates the Instagram and Twitter pages of the technological segment of RealDoll, Realbotix, and the most prevalent RealDoll affiliate, Brickdollbanger. Framed by Fairclough’s (2012) perspective of critical discourse analysis, I reviewed a combined 1,016 Tweets and Instagram posts to analyze the process of enrollment by key actors in relation to the design of sex robots and the sex robot industry. Results indicate humor and explicit images are utilized to market the sexual capabilities of the sex robots versus ideas of love and companionship. This paper adds to human-machine communication literature on the design of sex robots by exploring the sex-forward messaging not fully present in other marketing materials of Realbotix.

『형창이초(螢窗異草)』에 담긴 명말 청초 지식인 남성의 성적 판타지

『형창이초(螢窗異草)』에 담긴 명말 청초 지식인 남성의 성적 판타지

A male idol becoming a girl? Nisu fans' sexual fantasy about male stars

The emergent movement of reverse Sue (Nisu) in China refers to the practice of (especially female) fans imagining themselves as having a strong male role to their idols' weak female role. In this process, female fans take on a powerful, active role to protect and look after their male idols in female form. Examining how Nisu fans interact with other types of fans and negotiate a mainstream gender discourse dominated by traditional heterosexual norms reveals how, as a burgeoning subcultural group, female Nisu fans express their subversive potential by seeking the power of an imaginary phallus to defy male hegemony. However, their internal divergence and self-contradiction might weaken this defiance.

The Need for a Prevention Program for Child Sexual Abuse in Brazil: A Report of Shortfall Care to Pedophilia and its Critical Consequences

From a case report of a person with pedophilic disorder, this paper focuses on the issue of pedophilia, child sexual abuse, and the need for specific prevention and treatment strategies in Brazil. It seems inevitable to increase awareness for this topic within the mental health care system to protect children and reduce the risk for sexual offense in individuals at-risk. This is a case report of an individual, known by medical-psychiatric and forensic facilities for a past history of patricide, who revealed his pedophilic fantasies and behavior belatedly. To assess a pedophilic disorder and screen for other paraphilic contents, a screening questionnaire and clinical interview were used during the patient hospitalization in 2020 for a proper evaluation of sexual history and past offending behaviors. A review of the literature on pedophilia prevention programs was also carried out. WW is a middle-aged man admitted to a psychiatric unit for a severe episode of major depressive disorder and at risk of suicide. During recovery, he reported pedophilic fantasies and behaviors in his life. Sexual fantasies involving children and actual sexual offenses have remained unknown to mental health professionals and unreported to legal authorities. WW’s case alarmingly emphasizes the need for the training of health care professionals and for preventive strategies in Brazil for those who are at risk of engaging in offending sexual behaviors in a combined and intensive effort to protect children from sexual offense.

Inadequate Coping Strategies of Men who Have Committed Sexual Aggression Against Women: A Study of Their Developmental Antecedents.

Several researchers have found that men who have committed sexual aggression have inadequate coping strategies (e.g., paraphilic sexual fantasies, substance abuse). However, very few researchers have empirically examined the factors potentially associated with the development of these strategies. In 2011, Maniglio hypothesized that the inadequate coping strategies of men who have committed sexual aggression are the result of childhood victimization, mediated by internalized psychological problems. The present study therefore empirically tested this hypothesis in a Canadian sample of 205 men who had committed sexual aggression against women, of whom 37 committed sexual murder. Structural equation modeling (SEM) resulted in the identification of several direct and indirect trajectories leading from childhood victimization (psychological, physical, sexual) to the development of inadequate coping strategies (paraphilic sexual fantasies, alcohol and drug use) mediated by internalized psychological problems (e.g., anxiety, depression, social isolation). The theoretical and clinical implications of these developmental trajectories are discussed.

Developmental factors associated with inappropriate coping strategies among sexual aggressors of children

BackgroundMany studies in the field of sexual offending focus on the presence of inadequate coping strategies prior to sexual offending, and the role these strategies play in the sequence of the offense. However, little is known about the development of strategies—such as substance abuse and, especially, deviant sexual fantasies—to manage daily difficulties. ObjectiveTo better understand the antecedents of the development of inadequate coping strategies, we conducted a series of structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses. Participants and settingsBased on 274 sexual aggressors of children, these analyses were based on components of Maniglio (2011a) theoretical model, in which victimization before the age of 18 leads to the development of psychological problems and, ultimately, the reliance on deviant sexual fantasies as a coping strategy. MethodsTwo models were created through exploratory factorial analysis: the first model comprised 19 manifest variables, while the second model consisted of 15 manifest variables. All the retained variables were related to Maniglio's (2011a) hypothesis. ResultsThe analyses not only confirm Maniglio's hypothesis but also produced two statistically significant models (RMSEA = 0.069, CFI = 0.93 and TLI = 0.92 for Model 1 & RMSEA = 0.074, CFI = 0.93 and TLI = 0.91 for Model 2) composed of three indirect trajectories and one direct trajectory on the one hand, and four indirect trajectories and one direct trajectory on the other hand. ConclusionsThese results are consistent with those of studies that have highlighted the heterogeneity of sexual aggressors of children.

Aggressive sexual fantasy frequency outperforms other characteristics in cross-sectionally predicting self-reported sexual aggression in 4 samples.

Aggressive sexual fantasies (ASFs) have consistently been associated with sexual aggression measures. ASF frequency has mostly been used to indicate ASF, but other ASF characteristics may be important to explain the apparent gap between alleged high lifetime prevalence rates of ASF and lower sexual aggression rates-that is, why ASFs are only sometimes put into action. The present study therefore examined whether additional ASF characteristics show associations with sexual aggression measures above and beyond ASF frequency to identify the most relevant ASF characteristics. The present study is based on cross-sectional survey data from 4 independent mostly community samples with 448, 131, 758, and 415 participants to examine whether ASF elaboration, intrusion, preoccupation, context, and consent were associated with self-reported sexual aggression measures beyond ASF frequency. Self-reported sexual aggression measures included presumably consensual and nonconsensual sexual sadism, self-reports on acting on ASF, sexual harassment, use of coercive strategies, and rape proclivity. The results showed positive correlations among all ASF characteristics. ASF frequency was the most consistent and often strongest predictor of sexual aggression across samples and outcome measures. ASF elaboration and/or its interaction with ASF frequency added to this prediction in study 1 but not in study 2. All other ASF characteristics in studies 1 to 4 either did not add to the predictions or yielded results contrary to expectations, mostly suggesting suppressor effects. Sexual medicine and forensic sexology researchers may want to consider ASF frequency in diagnostics and develop and refine interventions to reduce it in cases of clearly elevated levels. The strengths of the present study include considering 4 independent samples as well as a large number of ASF characteristics and sexual aggression measures. Its limitations include the reliance on cross-sectional data and not being able to examine the potential influences of all ASF characteristics in a single model. ASF frequency seems the most valid and reliable indicator of ASF and the most important associate of sexual aggression. It should be considered the main indicator of ASF by future research and in prevention efforts and risk assessment.

Subjective evaluations of alcohol-involved sexual experiences over time among heavy-drinking college students: Comparisons across gender

The current study described how positive sexual experiences impact hypothetical subjective evaluations at follow up relative to baseline. Eighty-eight college students who engaged in weekly heavy episodic drinking participated. At baseline, participants reported alcohol use and hypothetical evaluations of alcohol-involved sexual experiences. During a 28-day ecological momentary assessment (EMA), participants completed next morning surveys and reported whether they engaged in a sexual/romantic experience and subjective evaluation of any sexual/romantic experience. At follow-up, participants re-reported all hypothetical evaluations. Associations between baseline and follow-up evaluations for “living out a sexual fantasy” and having an “alcohol-facilitated sexual experience” were not moderated by gender or positive sexual experiences. However, associations between baseline and follow-up “alcohol-intensified sex” were moderated by gender and having a positive sexual experience during the EMA study. Among women who had a positive sexual experience, evaluations of alcohol-intensified sex remained stable over time. For men who had a positive sexual experience, evaluations at follow up became less positive relative to their evaluations at baseline. Whereas positive sexual experiences served to confirm positive evaluations over time for women, evaluations decreased for men. Women and men who did not engage in sexual experiences did not need/rely on actual lived experiences in order to maintain their positive evaluations over time. Placing such a high emphasis on alcohol on intensifying sex without actual lived experience of negotiating consent when drinking could place college students at increased risk of sexual perpetration/victimization.

Beyond vanilla: Sexual fantasies and the need for uniqueness

The present study investigated the association between sexual fantasies and the need for uniqueness (NfU; Snyder & Fromkin, 1980). We chose a quantitative cross-sectional study design using the empirically based questionnaires Need-for-Uniqueness Scale German version (NfU-G; Schumpe et al., 2016), Self-Attributed Need for Uniqueness Scale (SANU; German translation according to Imhoff & Erb, 2009), and a back-translated German version of the Sex Fantasy Questionnaire (SFQ; Wilson, 1988). In the current study (N = 509) we confirmed the hypothesised relationship between the private NfU and the subdimension of the public NfU “Not follow rules” and the extent of sexual fantasies with statistically significant positive correlations. Individuals with a high private NfU as well as individuals with a high desire to not follow rules are characterised by a wide variety of sexual fantasies.

Hypersexual Disorder: A Comprehensive Review of Conceptualization, Etiology, Assessment and Treatment

Hypersexual disorder, also known as compulsive sexual behavior or sex addiction, is a complex and clinically significant condition characterized by intense and recurrent sexual fantasies, urges, or behaviors that significantly disrupt an individual’s daily life and overall well-being. Despite its importance, hypersexual disorder remains a controversial and debated topic, lacking standardized diagnostic criteria in major classification systems. This review paper provides a comprehensive examination of hypersexual disorder, encompassing its definition, conceptualization, etiology, co-occurring conditions, effects on mental and physical health, assessment, treatment approaches, cultural and ethical considerations, and future research directions. By synthesizing information from existing literature and research, this review aims to deepen our understanding of hypersexual disorder and contribute to the development of evidence-based interventions. The review begins by exploring the evolution of the term “hypersexual disorder” and its current status in diagnostic classifications. It then delves into the potential etiological factors contributing to the development of hypersexual behaviors, including neurobiological, genetic, and psychosocial factors. Furthermore, the review discusses the common comorbidities associated with hypersexual disorder, emphasizing the importance of addressing co-occurring mental health conditions in treatment planning. The psychological and physiological effects of hypersexual behaviors on affected individuals are examined, underscoring the urgency of early intervention and comprehensive treatment. The assessment and diagnosis of hypersexual disorder are thoroughly examined, considering the challenges and methodologies involved in identifying and evaluating affected individuals. Cultural and ethical considerations are highlighted, stressing the significance of providing culturally sensitive and ethical care to diverse populations. In the context of treatment, the review discusses various therapeutic approaches, including psychotherapy, medication, support groups, and harm-reduction strategies. The need for evidence-based treatments tailored to hypersexual disorder is underscored while recognizing the challenges of developing standardized protocols in this evolving field. Finally, future research directions are outlined, focusing on the standardization of diagnostic criteria, prevalence studies, neurobiological investigations, and the integration of cultural competency in treatment approaches. In conclusion, this review paper aims to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of hypersexual disorder and its implications for affected individuals and society. By exploring the multifaceted aspects of the condition, this review seeks to provide insights into effective treatment approaches and inspire further research in the study of hypersexual disorder.

Implications of sexual fantasy characteristics and memory intensity for harmful sexual behaviour.

Sexual fantasies and memories are aetiological considerations in the perpetration of sexual violence, but fantasy-memory-behaviour relationships may be influenced by various factors, including sexual fantasy and memory phenomenology, that are the properties of mental imagery. To investigate differences in sexual fantasy phenomenology and sexual memory intensity in men who report a history of harmful sexual behaviour compared to those who do not. We also investigated whether the likelihood of reporting harmful sexual intent was related to sexual memory intensity, independently of age and harmful sexual behaviour history. An online cross-sectional survey design was used, focusing on men aged ≥18years who were recruited from the general population via social media. The survey prompted participants to envisage a favoured sexual fantasy, then obtained data on fantasy phenomenology, including vividness and sensations, and arousal level. In addition, information was requested about sexual memory intensity and harmful sexual behaviour history and intent. A total of 322 men completed the survey. Multiple Welch's t-tests showed that men self-reporting one or more harmful sexual behaviours, such as rape or child sexual abuse, gave significantly higher ratings of sexual fantasy phenomenology but not fantasy frequency or masturbation. They were also more likely to report higher sexual memory intensity. Although the significance of fantasy phenomenology varied between subgroups, binary logistic regression indicated that age, history of harmful sexual behaviour and sexual memory intensity were each independently associated with harmful sexual intent. Our findings provide new insights into the importance of fantasy phenomenology, demonstrating nuanced differences between those with and without a history of harmful sexual behaviour and illustrating that memory intensity is associated with harmful sexual behaviour intent. Further research into these differences in the context of assessment and intervention for sexual violence perpetration is warranted.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Treatment on Sexual Desire Disorder in Men and Women

Background and Objective: Sexual desire disorder can be defined as a decrease in sexual feelings, thoughts, and fantasies. This research aimed to compare the effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation treatment on sexual desire disorder in men and women. Materials and Methods: The statistical population of the present study consisted of all individuals who suffered from the problem of decreased sexual desire, and for this purpose, were referred to medical centers in Tabriz, Iran, and were diagnosed with the disorder of decreased sexual desire. The research method was semi-experimental with a pre-test and post-test design. The research sample included 40 men and women who suffered from decreased sexual desire and were purposefully selected and were randomly assigned into two groups, including 20 people in the first test group (tDCS) and 20 people in the control group. Halbert's test was used to collect data before and after the intervention. Two-variable covariance analysis and SPSS software (version 26) were used to test the research hypotheses. Results: The average of the tDCS group and control groups showed that the independent variable was significantly effective on the dependent variable (P=0.0001). Conclusion: The obtained results showed that the tDCS treatment method reduces the sexual desire disorder of overweight men. It had an effective libido disorder and its effectiveness was different between men and women. This difference indicates that Women have a better result than men from treatment.

Long-Term Follow Up of Sexual Function and Steroid Levels in Women after Perimenopausal Hysterectomy with or without Concomitant Oophorectomy.

Hysterectomy, most often performed because of bleeding disorders or uterine leiomyoma, is one of the most common major surgical procedures in women and is usually performed during the perimenopausal period on ages 45-55 years. Hysterectomy may be combined with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, as a risk-reducing procedure to minimize the risk of ovarian cancer. An open question is whether concomitant oophorectomy, with cessation of ovarian androgen secretion, has any long-term effects on sexual function. In the present prospective cohort study of women undergoing benign hysterectomy, the long-term (10-12 years) effects on sexual function and changes in sex hormone levels were investigated in women having undergone perimenopausal hysterectomy, with or without concomitant bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Originally, 491 women (mean age around 50 years) were operated with (patient preference) either only hysterectomy (HYST) or hysterectomy plus bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (HYST + BSO), and 441 women (90%; HYST; n = 271 and HYST + BSO; n = 170) completed a one-year survey. In the present study, 185 women (42%) of the cohort with one-year follow up participated in the long-term follow up after 10-12 years. Follow-up was with the 10-item McCoy Female Sex Questionnaire and blood analysis of levels of testosterone, estradiol and sexual-hormone-binding globulin. The results showed that specific aspects of sexual function were lower after HYST + BSO compared to HYST 10-12 years after surgery. These lowered items were frequency of sexual fantasies, enjoyment of sexual activity, sexual arousal, and orgasmic frequency. No long-term differences in sex hormone levels were found between the two groups. In conclusion, some items related to sexual function were lower after HYST + BSO in a long-term perspective study, although the levels of testosterone were unaltered. This finding may have implications for clinical recommendations concerning prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy or for hysterectomy during the perimenopausal age.

Confirming and Expanding the Moral Incongruence Model of Compulsive Sexual Behavior.

Compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) is a clinical syndrome in which repetitive sexual behaviors, urges, or thoughts cause significant distress and impairment. Moral incongruence (MI), or conflict between an individual's sexual behaviors and moral beliefs, is highly associated with self-reported problematic pornography use, a common behavioral manifestation of CSB. However, it is currently unknown whether MI is associated with other self-reported compulsive sexual behaviors, such as masturbation, sexual fantasy, and sex with multiple partners. Additionally, research on MI has not explored whether emotional responses to sexual cues (i.e., erotophilia-erotophobia) may serve as a moderating variable in the MI model. To address these gaps in the literature, this study administered an online survey to a sample of 804 American participants. Results confirmed previous research on MI indicating frequency of pornography use is more strongly associated with self-reported CSB at high levels of moral disapproval. This moderation was also replicated with frequency of sexual fantasy and number of sex partners, but not with frequency of masturbation. Results also indicated that self-reported CSB was modestly associated with positive emotional response to sexual cues (i.e., erotophilia) but offered limited support for erotophilia as a moderator in the MI model. Collectively, these findings suggest the MI model can be expanded to several behavioral manifestations of CSB, but that emotional responses to sexual cues may play a limited or more nuanced role in MI.

Objectification: Examples of Female Characters in Selected Traditional Fairy Tales

No one can deny the vital role that fairy tales played in forming the personalities of successive generations across various regions worldwide. All adults should have pleasant memories with these books during their early childhood. These memories make these tales enjoyable for children and adults, as all adults consider reading these books a part of the nostalgia for these past peaceful and cheerful days. On the other hand, many studies proved the passive and hazardous impacts of fairy tales' implicit themes and hidden messages. For instance, these themes heavily influenced the stereotyping of feminine roles in society. Furthermore, these books enhanced the gender roles with the advantage of the masculine, active role. Throughout the wide range of these books, the readers can quickly identify male characters as saviors, supporters, and always positioned in the center of the women's life. Moreover, the traditional happy ending should be associated with the marriage of the rich and handsome prince/ gentleman. The author will examine the portrayal of the prominent female characters in selected traditional fairy tales to shed light on the concept of "objectification" as a central concept in structuring these characters by making them passive, helpless, and naïve. Accordingly, these portrayals served to present these female characters as mere objects to satisfy the sexual and psychological fantasies of men.

Personality dimensions of compulsive sexual behavior in the Sex@Brain study

AbstractBackground and aimsHypersexual disorder is characterized by recurrent and intense sexual fantasies, sexual urges, or sexual behaviors that can lead to clinically relevant levels of distress and adverse consequences for affected individuals. Earlier research has established a connection between sexual phenomena, such as compulsive sexual behavior, and personality features. The aim of the present study was to gain further insights into the associations of personality maladjustment and HD.MethodsThe present study applied the dimensional approach of personality maladjustment presented in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to connect compulsive sexual behavior to personality maladjustment. We investigated 47 men suffering from HD (age: M = 36.51, SD = 11.47) and 38 matched men without HD (age: M = 37.92, SD = 12.33) regarding personality maladjustment using a 100-item version of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5-BF).ResultsThe men with HD showed higher levels of personality maladjustment regarding all PID-5-BF domains (negative affect, detachment, psychoticism, antagonism, and disinhibition) and significantly differentiated from men without HD in the level of subordinate facets. However, no domain of personality differentiated significantly between groups using a binary stepwise logistic regression analysis.Discussion and conclusionsIn sum, the findings of the study underline the extent of personality maladjustment in men with HD. Interpersonal difficulties which men with HD frequently experience can contribute to clinically relevant levels of distress and adverse consequences reported by affected individuals.