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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Sexology
  • Paraphilias

Background:

  • Some individuals exhibit internalized sexual attractions, experiencing arousal from the concept of embodying their erotic target.
  • This can lead to Erotic Target Identity Inversions (ETII), where individuals identify with or desire to become their erotic target.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test Erotic Target Identity Inversion Theory's predictions across different paraphilic interests.
  • To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of internalized sexual attractions and ETII in specific male populations.

Main Methods:

  • Internet surveys were conducted with three distinct samples of men: those attracted to amputees, animals, and severely obese individuals.
  • Participants reported on their external erotic targets, internalized sexual attractions, and erotic target identity inversions.

Main Results:

  • Substantial minorities in all samples reported internalized sexual attractions and ETII specific to their paraphilias.
  • A near-perfect correlation (approx. 1.0) was found between the degree of internalized attraction and ETII.
  • Internalized attractions were positively correlated with autogynephilia.

Conclusions:

  • The findings strongly support Erotic Target Identity Inversion Theory across diverse paraphilias.
  • The theory may offer explanations for phenomena such as transgender identity in natal males and individuals seeking amputation.
  • Internalized sexual attractions and ETII are significant components of certain paraphilic interests.