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Somnophilia: Examining Its Various Forms and Associated Constructs.

Elizabeth T Deehan¹, Ross M Bartels¹

¹University of Lincoln, UK.

Sexual Abuse : a Journal of Research and Treatment

|November 16, 2019

Summary

This study empirically examined somnophilia, the interest in sex with a sleeping person. It identified distinct forms and correlates, distinguishing active and passive somnophilia for the first time.

Keywords:

biastophilia dormaphilia necrophilia paraphilia sexual fantasy somnophilia

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Area of Science:

Psychology
Sexology
Paraphilias

Background:

Somnophilia, defined as sexual interest in sleeping individuals, lacks empirical investigation.
Understanding the nuances of somnophilia is crucial for paraphilia research.

Purpose of the Study:

To conduct the first empirical examination of somnophilia.
To identify and differentiate various forms of somnophilia.
To explore theoretical correlates of somnophilic interests.

Main Methods:

Utilized an online sample of 437 participants.
Administered the newly developed Somnophilia Interest and Proclivity Scale with three subscales: active consensual, passive consensual, and active nonconsensual somnophilia.
Assessed convergent and divergent validity using scales for necrophilic, rape-related, sadistic/masochistic fantasies, rape proclivity, and sexual dominance/submission.

Main Results:

Males scored higher than females on most somnophilia scales, except the passive subscale.
Each somnophilia subscale demonstrated strong associations with conceptually congruent variables.
Distinguished between active and passive somnophilia, supporting theoretical assumptions.

Conclusions:

The study provides empirical support for theoretical assumptions about somnophilia.
Introduces a novel distinction between active and passive somnophilia.
Highlights the importance of further research into the correlates and implications of somnophilia.