Digital communities of people with paraphilia: A study of zoophiles

IntroductionAccessibility of the Internet allows people to connect anonymously and without boundaries – features particularly important for people with relatively rare sexual preference such as paraphilia.ObjectivesTo (1) allow for conceptualization and improved management of zoophilic patients in clinical practice or forensic examinations, (2) analyze how zoophiles network using online discussion forums, and (3) describe main goals of digital networking.MethodsA qualitative observational study of user activity (n = 958) on discussion forums, combined with brief demographic survey. Data were analyzed according to principles of grounded theory. Next, surveys of own design (demographic, discreet + open ended questions) were answered by 350 participants. Presented data show aggregate conclusions from mixed methods qualitative and quantitative analysis.ResultsZoophiles (or, zoos) use Internet to connect with other zoophiles (26.6% to have casual sex, 17.7% for dating, and 17% to exchange pornography). Connections are easiest to be established in countryside, where zoophilia clusters. In fact, there are village communities of zoos where explicit sharing of animal sexual partner(s) (28%) and/or voyeurism (30%) serve as bonding ritual. Over 40% of zoophiles are reluctant to meet other zoos in person, since they view them as “weird”, pointing to phenomenon of internalized stigmatization due to having non-normative sexuality. Online forums are also used by zoophiles to exchange information about which districts are at risk of becoming a target of social ostracism.ConclusionsPeople with zoophilia use digital communities to network, meet for sex, find dating partners and for own safety reasons.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.</jats:sec

Motivation of sexual relationship with animal–Study of a multinational group of 345 zoophiles

IntroductionWe explore relationship-seeking behaviour of zoophiles (zoos), using Francoeur's (1991) definition of sexual orientation (as consisting of affection orientation, sexual fantasy orientation, and erotic orientation).ObjectivesThis study intends to be the largest in recent decades’ comprehensive analysis of self-identified zoophiles, living on all five continents. It describes similarities and differences between normative sexual orientations (hetero- and homo-) and zoophilic sexuality, using Francoeur's (1991) framework.MethodA qualitative observational study of user activity (n = 958) on discussion forums, combined with brief demographic survey. Data were analyzed according to principles of grounded theory. Next, surveys of own design (demographic, discreet + open ended questions) were received by n = 350 participants. Presented data show aggregate conclusions from mixed methods qualitative and quantitative analysis.ResultsTrend analysis yielded four main discussions among zoophiles – worldview, personal space, sex life, and online space. Within worldview category, zoos overwhelmingly discuss bad press (55%), as well as social (41%) and legal (22%) ostracism. In personal space, the primary concern is coming at easy with own sexuality (&gt;60%) and forming lasting relationship with either human, animal, or both partners simultaneously. In terms of sex life, zoos are concerned with improving sex play (&gt;40%) and figuring out legality of sexual encounters with animals (22%). Concerning online space, the biggest concern here is networking (40%) and meeting other zoos for dating (15%).ConclusionsModern zoophiles have a wide array of personal, social, legal, and sex life challenges that can be approximated using qualitative studies.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.</jats:sec

Rethinking classification of zoophilia

IntroductionIn 2011, Anil Aggrawal proposed ten-point classification system of zoophilia, based on forensic literature review.Objectives(1) Allow for conceptualization and improved management of zoophilic patients in clinical practice or forensic examinations, (2) describe identity of modern-day zoophiles, including demographics and psycho-social profile, and (3) determine normative and pathologic traits and behaviours.MethodsA qualitative observational study of user activity (n = 958) on discussion forums, combined with brief demographic survey. Data were analyzed according to principles of grounded theory. Surveys of own design (demographic, discreet + open ended questions) were answered by 350 participants. Presented data show aggregate conclusions from mixed methods qualitative and quantitative analysis.ResultsProposed classification system categorizes zoos as either classic, sexual, romantic, or platonic. Relationship goals of classic and romantic zoos are reminiscent of those typical of human partnership, differentiated by the commitment and psychological distress level (romantic zoos, affectionate relationship goals outweigh sexual pursuit; classic zoos, romantic and sexual urges cause distress rather than pleasure). Sexual zoos show high prevalence of hypersexuality traits. Platonic zoos are typically confused about the roots of their sexuality. Contrary to common perceptions, prevalence of sexual sadism is extremely low (&lt;1% in our study). Sociopathic traits determine propensity for animal cruelty, which is not synonymous with typical zoophilia. Half of respondents were in committed relationship with human partner, whom they frequently attempted to “convert” into practicing zoophile.ConclusionsWe can categorize zoophiles into four sub-types. Emotional attachment and sexual urges play equal role in bonding with animal partner.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.</jats:sec

Female sexuality in the context of dual control model

IntroductionDual Control Model (DCM) is one of the contemporary concepts of mechanisms rooted in the central nervous system that control human sexual behaviors. The DCM holds promise for application both in scientific settings and, although at the moment limited, clinical practice. A number of psychometric tools, i.e. the SIS/SES, SES II-W and SES II-W/M questionnaires based on the DCM theoretical assumptions have been developed.MethodsA total of 309 women aged 18–45 were eligible for the study. Inclusion criteria were met by 214 individuals who were included in the further analysis. Sexual excitation/sexual inhibition inventory for women (SESII-W) was used to evaluate sexual inhibition and sexual excitation. Semi-structure interview was used to evaluate sexual function in investigated individuals. Correlation between risky sexual behaviors, FSD and SE/SE was measured.ResultsAmong the women, 28.5% were diagnosed with FSD, with orgasmic dysfunction being the most common, 11.2%. Engaging in risky sexual behavior (having multiple sexual partners and one-night-stand sexual relationships, sexual intercourse with persons known to be HIV-positive, drug users or prostitutes, unprotected vaginal, oral and anal sex, sex for money or drugs and sexual activity while using alcohol and/or psychoactive substances) was associated with higher sexual excitation scores and lower sexual excitation scores of SESII-W. In contrast, the presence of FSD were negatively correlated with SE and positively with SI.ConclusionsDual control model might be a good model describing different sexual behaviors in the population of women.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.</jats:sec