Guzman 1

I. M. Guzman 11/11/11 Perceptions in Psychosexual Pathology Statistics and probability theory have provided society with the necessary tools for the legitimization of what is normal. Indeed, a density curve with the shape of a bell is officially called the Normalwith a capital ncurve. Before these methods, we could only count on the pattern we directly perceived in our society without any mathematical way to legitimize our inferences. Notwithstanding, even today we continue to use our statistical intuition to make inferences about what is normal. No better example demonstrates the influence societys statistical intuition has had on science than that of the history of the categorization of psychosexual pathology. The perceptions of society have undoubtedly influenced the scientist in unimaginable waysthe scientist is, after all, human and a part of a society (whether he likes it or not). Perceptions in psychosexual pathology, however objectively these are in and of themselves, have remarkably changed and continue to change throughout time and along the way have left their mark on the American culture. Homosexuality, once seen as pathological, is an example of how views of pathology have changed (Yarber, Sayad, Strong, 2010). The Austro-Hungarian psychiatrist Richard von KrafftEbing was probably the most influential sex researcher of the nineteenth century (Yarber, Sayad, Strong, 2010). He lived during a time in which the Roman Catholic Church exerted a heavy influence on the Austro-Hungarian Empires society and state. Thusly, von Krafft-Ebing held conservative values which subconsciously influenced his most important work: Psychopathia Sexualis. In the book, von Krafft-Ebing writes that sexual urges are not defined until the complete development of the reproductive system. If normal development occurs and is undisturbed, then the individual develops an attraction to the other-sex. On the other hand, homosexuality arises from anomalies in sexual development that are inexplicable (von KrafftEbing, 1894). Von Krafft-Ebing serves as an exemplary model of how many doctors and scientist thought about homosexuality at the time. Even as time progressed, it was not until 1974 that homosexuality ceased to be considered a mental disorder. Further supporting the thesis of the present writing, the American culture had a shift in ideology following the LGBT rights

Guzman 2

movement of the 1970s. Unquestionably, what was once seen as pathologic changed into an accepted sexual orientation alternative due in large part to shifting perspectives in America. Regardless of how much past pathologies have now been proven false, they continue to carry an air of taboo in them. Those that hold conservative beliefs insist that homosexuality is deviant and unnatural. Furthermore, talking about masturbation openly is also a sensitive topic to many people. Also, the pejorative term, nymphomaniac is still widely applied to women that openly display their sexuality. Unjustifiably, the latter are viewed as sex addicts when sex addiction is still being heavily debated amongst sex researchers (Yarber, Sayad, Strong, 2010). Past views and sentimentality on sexuality prove to be difficult if nearly impossible to eradicate. Psychosexual pathology is not a solely socially fabricated phenomenon. It does have its scientifically based theories and evidence. The evidence for necrophilia, for example, is clearly captivated by Michelle L. Steins research (Stein & Pinizzoto, 2010). The coerced sexual expressions of the one with necrophilia produce great distress in his/her victims (i.e. sexually abusing the victims before and after death, fondling a deceased body, insertion of foreign objects in the deceased) (Stein & Pinizzoto, 2010). Not only is the activity unlawful but also brings great pain to the victims or considerate distress to the one whom practices of necrophilia. Indeed, paraphilias are described in the DSM as persistent sexual urges and fantasies that are associated with nonhuman objects, suffering or humiliation of oneself or ones partner, or children or other non-consenting person (APA, 2000). No doubt, society has influenced categories of psychosexual pathology; nevertheless, it is not solely a social fabrication.

Guzman 3

Bibliography: American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.). Washington, DC: Author. Stein, M. L., Schlesinger, L. B. and Pinizzotto, A. J. (2010), Necrophilia and Sexual Homicide. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 55: 443446. doi: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01282.x Von Krafft-Ebing, R. (1894). Psychopathia Sexualis. C. G. Chaddock, trans. Philidelphia, PA: The F.A. Davis Company, Publishers. Yarber, W. L., Sayad, B. W., & Strong, B. (2010). Human Sexuality: Diversity in Contemporary America. New York: McGraw-Hill.