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2025 APS Annual Convention · 2025

Mental Health Correlates of Paraphilic Interests Among a US Community Sample

Washington, DC · May 2025

Poster · Clinical Science

Session: Poster Session II

Authors

  • Emily GerberPresenting Author
    Fairleigh Dickinson University
  • Gina Marconi
    Fairleigh Dickinson University
  • Melissa Slavin
    Fairleigh Dickinson University
  • Shane Kraus
    University of Nevada, Las Vegas
  • Léna Nagy
    Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest
  • Léna Nagy
    Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest
  • Mónika Koós
    Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest
  • Marc Potenza
    Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling
  • Marc Potenza
    Yale University School of Medicine
  • Marc Potenza
    Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest
  • Zsolt Demetrovics
    College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide
  • Zsolt Demetrovics
    Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar
  • Zsolt Demetrovics
    Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest
  • Beáta Bőthe
    Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les problèmes conjugaux et les agressions sexuelles (CRIPCAS)
  • Beáta Bőthe
    University of Montreal

Abstract

We examined associations between paraphilic interests and mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, using data from 2,055 US adults. Interest in risky sexual behavior predicted mental health symptoms, while voyeurism interests were linked to fewer symptoms. Findings highlight stigma and emotion dysregulation's role in these associations.

Sexual Behavior