APS
2025 APS Annual Convention · 2025
Mental Health Correlates of Paraphilic Interests Among a US Community Sample
- Emily Gerber
Fairleigh Dickinson University - Gina Marconi
Fairleigh Dickinson University - Melissa Slavin
Fairleigh Dickinson University - Shane Kraus
University of Nevada, Las Vegas - Léna Nagy
Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest - Léna Nagy
Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest - Mónika Koós
Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest - Marc Potenza
Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest - Marc Potenza
Yale University School of Medicine - Marc Potenza
Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling - Zsolt Demetrovics
Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest - Zsolt Demetrovics
Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar - Zsolt Demetrovics
College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide - Beáta Bőthe
University of Montreal - Beáta Bőthe
Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les problèmes conjugaux et les agressions sexuelles (CRIPCAS)
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
