Diversity in Human Sexual Attitudes, Preferences, and Behaviors

Abstract

Currently, there is no objective standard of “typical” sexual behavior. Aside from sexual behaviors that are classified as illegal or dangerous, such as those behaviors that intentionally harm non-consenting individuals, human sexual behaviors are difficult to classify into categories of “atypical” versus “typical.” The purpose of this study is to examine the differences in sexual interests, attitudes, behaviors, self-consciousness in sexual contexts, sexual satisfaction, perceptions of openness in communication with a sexual partner, and sexual desire across non-BDSM practicing population as compared to populations of individuals within BDSM/fetish communities. With further knowledge in this area, sex researchers and therapists would have a clearer understanding between a paraphilia and a paraphilic disorder.