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Multiplex Versus Multiple Taxonomy of Paraphilia: Case Example

NCJ Number
199081
Journal
Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2003 Pages: 61-72
Author(s)
Gregory K. Lehne; John Money
Date Published
January 2003
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article presents the sexological history of a man diagnosed with multiple paraphilias in order to suggest the need for a multiplex paraphilia taxonomy.
Abstract
After explaining that paraphilias are sexological syndromes classified according to the content of the sexual fantasies and/or behaviors, the authors explain that there are over 40 named paraphilias listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders such as exhibitionism, fetishism, frotteurism, pedophilia, sexual masochism, sexual sadism, transvestic fetishism, and voyeurism. Discussing the sexological history and background of a man diagnosed with multiple paraphilias who presented with symptoms of transvestic fetishism, the authors detail the man’s history of cross-dressing, gay bashing, molestation of his son, and fixation on wearing diapers and being treated like an infant. Focusing on the early experiences that may have contributed to this man’s later paraphilias, the authors explain that at the age of 6 the research subject was punished for tardiness and made to wear a dress at school and was punished for bed wetting at the age of 7 by being made to wear a diaper at home. The authors suggest that this case subject demonstrates the need for a multiplex paraphilia taxonomy instead of multiple taxonomies because the three paraphilic components at issue each manifested at different times throughout the subject’s life course. References