What does paraphilia mean?
Paraphilia is a term used in psychology and psychiatry to describe unusual or unconventional sexual interests. It is a strong and persistent attraction to objects, activities, or individuals that may cause distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Paraphilia can take many forms, including fetishism, voyeurism, and exhibitionism. The term is often used in a clinical or therapeutic context, and can have a negative connotation, implying that the individual's sexual interests are abnormal or pathological. Despite this, paraphilia is a legitimate area of study, and researchers are working to better understand the causes and consequences of unusual sexual interests. By studying paraphilia, psychologists and psychiatrists hope to develop more effective treatments for individuals with unusual sexual interests, and to promote greater understanding and acceptance of diversity in human sexuality.
nounA paraphilia is a strong and persistent sexual interest in or attraction to unusual or unconventional objects, activities, or individuals, which may cause distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
- A strong and persistent sexual interest in or attraction to unusual or unconventional objects, activities, or individuals, which may cause distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
"The psychologist studied the paraphilias of her patients, noting the diversity of their sexual interests."
"The psychologist studied the paraphilias of her patients, noting the diversity of their sexual interests."
"The patient's paraphilia was a source of distress for him and his partner."
The plural form paraphilias is used to describe multiple paraphilias or a collection of paraphilias.
"The patient's paraphilias were a source of distress for him and his partner."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of paraphilia
The term paraphilia was coined in the 1980s by psychologists and psychiatrists who were working to develop a more comprehensive understanding of human sexuality. The word is derived from the Greek words 'para' (meaning 'beyond' or 'outside') and 'philos' (meaning 'love'). Paraphilia is a term that is used in many languages, including English, French, and German.
How paraphilia is actually used
Paraphilia is a term used in psychology and psychiatry to describe unusual or unconventional sexual interests. It is often used in a clinical or therapeutic context. The term can have a negative connotation, implying that the individual's sexual interests are abnormal or pathological.