The term Paraphilia was developed from two Greek words Para-meaning alternative and Philos-meaning loving; it is used to refer to sexual tendencies involving things and activities other than what is considered normal sex. The American Psychiatric Association categories paraphilias as sexual perversions/deviations. Whereas several paraphilias are illegal, there are some that are legal. However, the underlying factor among paraphiliacs is that they are very secretive about their behavior; psychiatrists observe that paraphilic sexual behavior is associated with individuals who have problems in interpersonal relationships. Due to the secretive nature of paraphilia’s its prevalence cannot accurately be established although the increasing high presence of paraphilia gear suggests that it is on the rise(Gayford, 2007).
Centrally, the cause of paraphilia can be said to develop during childhood or adolescence stage but develops in the later years of adult life increasing in urges and tendencies making paraphiliacs appear pervasive in their sexual innuendos. They exhibit sexual fetishes in reaction to specifics when sensitization to the fetish objects (these may include underclothing and pornography etc.) is induced, ultimately they appear to enjoy the power that their fetishes gives which drives their fantasies. This fetish is normally used as protection against their failures or anxieties during normal sexual relations. More often than not they use their fetishes to cover up for their shortcomings (Gayford, 2007).
Psychology experts advise that fetishes advance sexual drive while encourage the blocking of normal sex and that the more frequently normal sex is blocked the more the fetish becomes reinforced. Sexual fetishes push people to steal objects that bring them arousal such as underwear and other women clothing. Fetishism is attributed to be a major cause of most broken marriages and the reason for the spur of paraphilia. Examples of paraphilia include; Pedophilia-sexual urges with prepubescent children, Sadomasochism-sexual urges involving infliction of physical pain, Sexual Sadism- sexual fantasies that involve humiliation of the victim and Sexual Asphyxia-deriving sexual pleasure from strangulation which is the focus of this paper (Gayford, 2007).
Asphyxiation developed from the Greek word asphyxia-that implies no pulse, hence Autoerotic Asphyxiation Paraphilia as mentioned earlier is deriving sexual pleasure from chokingAutoerotic Asphyxiation Paraphilacs mostly have a strong fetish for strangling themselves through which they get sexual satisfaction (Gayford, 2007).
Also known as Breath Control Play; Autoerotic Asphyxiation Paraphilia is the intentional restriction of oxygen flow to the brain for sexual arousal. Historically, the practice of breath control play developed as people noticed erections from victims of hanging which at times led to ejaculations. Most people practicing Autoerotic Asphyxiation Paraphilia do it in seclusion and employ different tactics to restrict oxygen flow to the brain that include; hanging, suffocation by a plastic bag over the head, suffocation by gas or volatile solvents etc. Such individuals expose themselves to numerous dangers related to accidental deaths. Bodies of individuals found show evidence of Paraphyletic activity that led to their accidental suffocation and eventually to their unintentional suicide. Such evidence include the presence of sex toys in the scene, forensic evidence of victims having orgasmic release prior to death, victims’ bodies discovered naked with their genitals in hand and so forth (Curra, 2010). Most victims of accidental death through Autoerotic Asphyxiation Paraphilia are males in their teens however several cases of female deaths have also been reported from time to time (Edmondson, 2008).
Individuals engaging in Autoerotic Asphyxiation Paraphilia may dress up in clothes that are typical of one’s own sex through which they derive sexual arousal. They then proceed to suffocate themselves during which they may record themselves through video although in rare circumstances (Gayford, 2007).
The most obvious cause of Autoerotic Asphyxiation commonly (AEA)in most teenagers appears to be a thrilling experience perceived inpracticing the act. They are often infatuated with the fantasy of bondage and pain which entices them to sexual arousal and pleasure. The risk of the possibility of sudden death is exciting for them as it electrifies their imagination of engaging in mortal danger. While strangling themselves they may excite their sensual senses with props, women clothing, pornography and other sexual aids.
Interestingly, there are terms used by individuals engaging in AEA behavior to describe the act of strangulation for sexual pleasure that include ‘breath play’, ‘scarfing’ , and ‘terminal sex’.These terms ignite their desire to experience the excitement of pleasure through Autoerotic Asphyxiation which often exposes them to the risk of involuntary suicide.
There are conventional signs that parents and teachers can look out for in teenagers and young adults to avert the causes of AEA behavior. First, signs of strained and bloodshot eyes may suggest strangling, secondly, the site of unexplainable marks on the neck accompanied by constant complaints about headaches may also imply frequent strangling. Thirdly, parents should take note of odd behaviors where their children keep their rooms locked while they spend so much time in solitude. Similarly, secrecy and an obsession for privacy often sensitive about someone else making their room frightened that their secret may be discovered is also a sign of AEA behavior. This is often because individuals engaged in AEA behavior are more often than not embarrassed and hence very secretive at what they do. Lastly, parents should also look out for short ropes, padded ropes and neck ties tied in odd knots and so forth. Notwithstanding, to protect children from AEA behavior parents are advised to ensure that their children are not exposed to suggestive media such as Television, magazine and internet pornography which gives children ideas on AEA. However, it is essential to note that significant percentage of AEA behaviors develop as a result of word of mouth where individuals pick up tips from their fellows. Hence, it is crucial that parents develop a relationship with their kids where they can talk freely about the dangers of AEA sexual behavior and other sexual paraphilia.
Whereas there exists several treatment methodologiesfor AEA from medication to therapy, for example, the use psychotherapeutic drugs hand in hand with psychotherapy; the most definitive way of eradicating AEA behavior lies in preventive education. Through educating teenagers and children on the dangers of AEA behavior and specifically clarifying that AEA cannot be practiced in a safe way may go a long way in convincing those practicing AEA to stop and those contemplating to do so to drop the thought all together. Efforts in education on the dangers posed by Autoerotic Asphyxiation paraphilia can be advanced by professionals from different field who can pool their efforts to eradicate the vice. Suggestions include specialist in sexual paraphilia, representatives from the Coroner’s office and police detectives among others with information on the dangers of AEA behavior.
Generally, while it is arguable that whatever adults do to achieve sexual pleasure is a private matter and that should be left to individuals’ recourse; it is important also to consider the fact that Autoerotic Asphyxiation Paraphilia has a very high risk or danger to individual’s life given that most individuals practicing breath control play for sexual stimulation do so in seclusion increasing the dangers of suffocating themselves to death. This paper has discussed the major causes of AEA behavior among children and young adults. Further, signs to look out for in teenagers and young adults in foreseeing AEA behavior to effectively avert the behavior in good time have also been presented. Finally the several suggestions on prevention and treatment of AEA have been presented as discussed here in.
References
Curra, J. (2010). The Relativity of Deviance. Carlifonia: Sage Publications.
Edmondson, J. (2008). Adolecent Autoerotic Deaths. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolecent Phychiatry, 121(563), 437-438. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1192%2Fbjp.121.4.437
Gayford, J. J. (2007). Disorders of Sexual Preference, or Paraphilias: A Review of the Literature. Med Sci Law, 37(303). doi:10.1177/002580249703700405
Jenkins, A. P. (2000). When Self-Pleasuring Becomes Self-Destruction: Autoerotic Asphyxiation Paraphilia. The International Electronic Journal of Health Education, 3(3), 208-216.
