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Examining Recall Memory in Infancy and Early Childhood Using the Elicited Imitation Paradigm
Published on: April 28, 2016
Self-Reported Childhood Maltreatment and Erotic Target Identity Inversions Among Men with Paraphilic Infantilism
Johannes Fuss1, Laura Jais1, B Terrance Grey2
1Human Behavior Laboratory, Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg , Germany.
Abstract:
Adults with paraphilic infantilism may desire to wear diapers or engage in infant-like role play. Erotic target identity inversions (ETII) and childhood maltreatment have been hypothesized to cause regressive interests. To evaluate these two etiological hypotheses, we surveyed the online adult baby/diaper lover community. Data from 1904 cis-gender men revealed a prevalence of pedophilic interests comparable with the general male population, arguing against ETIIs as common in paraphilic infantilism. In contrast, self-reported childhood neglect and abuse were highly prevalent, suggesting that infantilism might be correlated with childhood maltreatment. Additionally, some participants described repetition and/or sexualization of negative childhood experiences.
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