Question

(12.1) Why is it difficult to define boundaries between normality and psychopathology in the area of variant sexuality? This is a very interesting question given the changes in peoples points of view over the past 20 -30 years. 20 years ago homosexuality was considered a disorder - so was transgender. Today we see it differently. Given these social changes in attitudes and ideas what then is psychopathology in sexuality?

Answer 1

Defining boundaries between normality and psychopathology in the area of variant sexuality is very difficult, in part because sociocultural influences on what have been viewed as normal or aberrant sexual practices abound. However, since 1974, homosexuality has been considered by mental health professionals to be a normal sexual variant. Sexual deviations in the form of paraphilias involve persistent and recurrent patterns of sexual behavior and arousal, lasting at least six months, in which unusual objects, rituals, or situations are required for full sexual satisfaction. They almost always occur in males. The paraphilia disorders include (1) fetishistic disorder, (2) transvestic disorder, (3) voyeuristic disorder, (4)exhibitionistic disorder, (5) sexual sadism disorder, (6) sexual masochism disorder, (7) pedophilic disorder, and (8) frotteuristic disorder.

Social changes in attitudes and ideas- In explaining sex differences in adult psychopathology, considers the stress hypothesis. The relationship between gender and psychopathology has long been recognized by researchers and clinicians. According to current scientific and professional understanding, the core attractions that form the basis for adult sexual orientation typically emerge between middle childhood and early adolescence. These patterns of emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction may arise without any prior sexual experience. People can be celibate and still know their sexual orientation-–be it lesbian, gay, bisexual, or heterosexual. Different lesbian, gay, and bisexual people have very different experiences regarding their sexual orientation. Some people know that they are lesbian, gay, or bisexual for a long Transgender Individuals and Gender Identity, addresses gender identity. Time before they actually pursue relationships with other people. Some people engage in sexual activity (with same-sex and/or other-sex partners) before assigning a clear label to their sexual orientation. Prejudice and discrimination make it difficult for many people to come to terms with their sexual orientation identities, so claiming a lesbian, gay, or bisexual identity may be a slow process.