Sexual fetishes and fantasies can be considered a sensitive subject, yet they form a significant part of some individuals’ intimate experiences.
Every person has preferences – for instance, some indulge in BDSM, whereas others might find group sex appealing.
While you might jest about kinks and fetishes and how peculiar they might seem to others, they can be essential for someone else’s sexual satisfaction, especially when it comes to more unusual preferences, which can profoundly affect the individual involved.
Dr. Mark Griffiths, an expert in Behavioral Addiction at Nottingham Trent University, has shared his insights into various types of ‘paraphilia’ based on his research into sexual deviations.
Robert Weiss, in his article on Psychcentral, explains kinks, fetishes, and paraphilias as ‘involving the same behavior’. While fetishes are technically a part of paraphiliac disorders, the significant difference lies in ‘the role that behavior plays and the effects it has, which can vary greatly from person to person’.
In an article for The Conversation, Dr. Griffiths describes paraphilias as ‘uncommon types of sexual expression often labeled as sexual deviations, sexual perversions, or disorders of sexual preference’.
He emphasizes the importance of research in this field, stating: “Paraphilias may be laughed off, dismissed, or evoke disgust in some, but there is a pressing need for more research into uncommon sexual behavior.”
He also mentions that while some paraphilias are illegal, ‘most cause no psychological or behavioral problems when practiced by consenting adults’.
In 2021, Hollywood actor Armie Hammer faced accusations involving cannibalistic fetishes, along with allegations of rape and sexual assault, all of which he denied.
Following a police investigation, Hammer, known for “Call Me By Your Name,” was not charged with any crime, and he later expressed being ‘grateful’ regarding the cannibal accusations.
Griffiths notes that the sexual arousal by cannibalism is indeed a reality for certain individuals.
He elaborates: “Vorarephilia – or ‘vore’ – involves sexual arousal from the notion of being eaten, consuming another person, or observing this process for sexual pleasure.
“Most fantasies among vorarephiliacs revolve around being the ones devoured.
“Consuming someone could be seen as the ultimate act of dominance by a predator and the ultimate submission by the prey.”
The case of Armin Meiwes serves as a stark reminder, as he received a life sentence for killing and consuming Bern Jurgen Brandes, whom he met through an online ad on ‘cannibal fetish websites’.
Dacryphilia is another fetish, characterized by arousal from seeing someone cry in a sexual context.
Dr. Griffiths categorizes this into three types: “Compassionate dacryphiles are aroused by comforting a crying person.
“Dominant or submissive dacryphiles find arousal in either causing tears in a consenting submissive partner or being made to cry by a consenting dominant partner.
“’Curled lip’ dacryphiles are turned on by the sight of a protruding bottom lip during crying.”
This particular fetish might be perceived as overpowering, as it involves sexual arousal from farting. Professor Griffiths first encountered eproctophilia in 2013 through an individual named Brad (a pseudonym).
The 22-year-old developed an interest when he heard a classmate fart, which led to an unusual fixation, and his interest extended to male friends as well.
Dr. Griffiths explains: “He made bets with friends, where the loser had to endure the winner’s farts for a week. This cycle continued every few weeks for about two years.”
There appears to be a market in this unusual interest, as evidenced by an influencer who profited from selling her farts in a jar online.
Apotemnophilia refers to arousal stemming from the thought or presence of an amputee.
Dr. Griffiths notes: “Some apotemnophiles might pretend to be amputees.
“However, for a minority, it involves obsessively planning to convince a surgeon to perform an unnecessary amputation.
“This might seem like a form of masochism to most, but case studies indicate there is no eroticization of pain – only an attraction to the healed amputated stump.”
This particular interest involves deriving sexual pleasure from dirtying up an attractive person, whether through mud, ruining their clothes, or messing up their hair and makeup.
In 2019, Dr. Griffith met Jeff (a pseudonym), who recounted his desire to engage in sexual acts in dirty environments.
He sought partners who would be willing to partake in such activities, but faced difficulty finding someone agreeable.
“He was also a fan of the television show Fear Factor, where contestants perform unpleasant tasks for prizes, such as eating decayed food or being submerged in unclean fluids.” Dr. Griffith adds: “These scenarios were sexually stimulating for Jeff.
“He expressed: ‘I find the defilement of an attractive woman’s body erotic’.”