[Exhibitionism--a criticism of only biologically oriented interpretations of this sexual disorder]

Attempts at explaining exhibitionism as being a mere relic of an instinct which--characteristic of the earliest phylogenetic stages--reappears in a limited number of males, fail to recognize the nature of this sexual disorder which is so frequent in our civilization. Such an explanation not only remains vague and speculative but deserves criticism also for being incomplete. The organisation of exhibitionism is more complex than that. There is a striking resemblance to certain rituals of negative tropism. The motives of the delinquents originate in a deeply rooted disbelief in ever being recognized in their masculinity. Thus there are episodes when the genitals are practically utilized: After an humiliation for instance, the exposure of the genitals is employed to alleviate conflicts in connection with strong feelings of inferiority. By means of the phallic demonstration the person concerned attempts to regain his self-respect and to establish for himself the prestige of a normal of even superior male.