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Restore removed page information, again per discussion. That is 3RR, WLU. We've been over this before. Care to share why it is so important right now?
no valid reason has been give to remove the SFN formatting and cite the same source so many times; also added citation tags based on talk page comments
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{{For|sexual feelings experienced during childhood|Child sexuality}}
{{For|sexual feelings experienced during childhood|Child sexuality}}
'''Paraphilic infantilism''' is a [[paraphilia]], and includes a certain form of psychological regression.<ref name = Speaker>{{citation | last = Speaker | first = TJ | title = Psychosexual Infantilism in Adults: The Eroticization of Regression | publisher = Columbia Pacific University | pages = 93 | location = Sausalito, CA }}</ref> In the majority of cases, it does not interfere greatly with a person's work or casual social life. It is characterized by the seemingly uncontrollable desire to wear [[diaper]]s, due to reasons other than medical necessity, and/or be treated as an [[infant]]<ref name=DSM_inf>{{cite book | title = [[Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders]] | edition = IV-TR | author = [[American Psychiatric Association]] | year = 2000 | publisher = American Psychiatric Pub | pages = [http://books.google.com/books?id=3SQrtpnHb9MC&pg=PA535#v=onepage&q&f=false 572–573] | isbn = 0890420254}}</ref> or [[toddler]]. Within the community of such diaper wearers, one who engages only in the erotic or sexual aspect of diaper wearing without experiencing any accompanying regression fantasies is known as a [[Diaper fetishism|diaper lover]] (or DL). An adult who only engages in the infantilistic play aspect is known as an adult baby (or AB).<ref name="pate" /> An adult who may experience both of these things is referred to as an AB/DL.<ref>{{cite news | last = Watson | first = J | date = 2005-06-09 | url = http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2005-06-09/news/baby-man/ | title = Baby Man | work = [[Phoenix New Times]] |accessdate = 2011-02-28 }}</ref><ref name="taormino" /> In 2004, an informal online survey of 80 adult diaper wearers showed that approximately 40% considered themselves strictly DL's, approximately 40% were mixed, and 20% considered themselves strictly AB's. The survey also indicated that there is a significant number of teenagers who engage in this practice.<ref name="Speaker" /> The [[American Psychiatric Association]]'s [[Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders]], indicates that a majority of infantilists are heterosexual males.<ref name=DSM_568>{{cite book | title = [[Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders]] | edition = IV-TR | author = [[American Psychiatric Association]] | year = 2000 | publisher = American Psychiatric Pub | pages = [http://books.google.com/books?id=3SQrtpnHb9MC&pg=PA535#v=onepage&q&f=false 568] | isbn = 0890420254}}</ref>
'''Paraphilic infantilism''' is a [[paraphilia]], and includes a certain form of psychological regression.<ref name = Speaker>{{citation | last = Speaker | first = TJ | title = Psychosexual Infantilism in Adults: The Eroticization of Regression | publisher = Columbia Pacific University | pages = 93 | location = Sausalito, CA }}</ref> In the majority of cases, it does not interfere greatly with a person's work or casual social life. It is characterized by the seemingly uncontrollable desire to wear [[diaper]]s, due to reasons other than medical necessity, and/or be treated as an [[infant]]{{sfn|APA| year = 2000 | pp= [http://books.google.com/books?id=3SQrtpnHb9MC&pg=PA569#v=onepage&q&f=false 568–573]}} or [[toddler]]. Within the community of such diaper wearers, one who engages only in the erotic or sexual aspect of diaper wearing without experiencing any accompanying regression fantasies is known as a [[Diaper fetishism|diaper lover]] (or DL). An adult who only engages in the infantilistic play aspect is known as an adult baby (or AB).<ref name="pate" /> An adult who may experience both of these things is referred to as an AB/DL.<ref>{{cite news | last = Watson | first = J | date = 2005-06-09 | url = http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2005-06-09/news/baby-man/ | title = Baby Man | work = [[Phoenix New Times]] |accessdate = 2011-02-28 }}</ref><ref name="taormino" /> In 2004, an informal online survey of 80 adult diaper wearers showed that approximately 40% considered themselves strictly DL's, approximately 40% were mixed, and 20% considered themselves strictly AB's. The survey also indicated that there is a significant number of teenagers who engage in this practice.<ref name="Speaker" /> The [[American Psychiatric Association]]'s [[Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders]], indicates that a majority of infantilists are heterosexual males.{{sfn|APA| year = 2000 | pp= [http://books.google.com/books?id=3SQrtpnHb9MC&pg=PA569#v=onepage&q&f=false 568–573]}}{{Verify source}}

DLs and ABs differ in [[self-image]] and the focus of attention.<ref name = DSM_inf/><ref name=DSM_fetish>{{cite book | title = [[Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders]] | edition = IV-TR | author = [[American Psychiatric Association]] | year = 2000 | publisher = American Psychiatric Pub | pages = [http://books.google.com/books?id=3SQrtpnHb9MC&pg=PA535#v=onepage&q&f=false 569–570] | chapter = Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders | isbn = 0890420254}}</ref> Neither includes a sexual preference for children.<ref name = DSM_inf/><ref name = DSM_fetish/> There is no singular, typical behavior for paraphilic infantilism, but a wide range of thought patterns and behaviors. Some fantasize about being free of [[guilt]], [[Moral responsibility|responsibility]], or control, whereas others might not. Some act indistinguishably from a baby at times, while others practice in a way that would probably not be noticed by passers by on the street. The desires and tastes of paraphilic infantilists vary around common themes of diapers and babyhood.<ref name=DSM_inf/>
DLs and ABs differ in [[self-image]] and the focus of attention. Neither includes a sexual preference for children. There is no singular, typical behavior for paraphilic infantilism, but a wide range of thought patterns and behaviors. Some fantasize about being free of [[guilt]], [[Moral responsibility|responsibility]], or control, whereas others might not. Some act indistinguishably from a baby at times, while others practice in a way that would probably not be noticed by passers by on the street. The desires and tastes of paraphilic infantilists vary around common themes of diapers and babyhood.{{sfn|APA|2000 | pp= [http://books.google.com/books?id=3SQrtpnHb9MC&pg=PA569#v=onepage&q&f=false 568–573]}}{{Verify source}}


A central practice to AB/DL is wearing a diaper. When wearing diapers, many AB/DLs like to [[Urination|urinate]] in them, and a smaller number [[Defecation|defecate]] in them.<ref name = Speaker/>
A central practice to AB/DL is wearing a diaper. When wearing diapers, many AB/DLs like to [[Urination|urinate]] in them, and a smaller number [[Defecation|defecate]] in them.<ref name = Speaker/>
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<!-- intro -->
<!-- intro -->
Although there is no typical AB/DL, the interests of AB/DLs tend to fall along a spectrum. This can be called the spectrum between infantilism and [[diaper fetishism]]<ref name = DSM_inf/><ref name = DSM_fetish/> or the spectrum between adult babies and diaper lovers. The mix of interests and fantasies might vary along this spectrum, depending on the individual.
Although there is no typical AB/DL, the interests of AB/DLs tend to fall along a spectrum. This can be called the spectrum between infantilism and [[diaper fetishism]]{{sfn|APA| year = 2000 | pp= [http://books.google.com/books?id=3SQrtpnHb9MC&pg=PA569#v=onepage&q&f=false 568–573]}}{{verify source}} or the spectrum between adult babies and diaper lovers. The mix of interests and fantasies might vary along this spectrum, depending on the individual.


<!-- PI -->
<!-- PI -->
On the adult baby side of the spectrum is an interest in roleplaying as a baby or small child, called infantilism.<ref name = DSM_inf/> This may involve adult sized diapers and baby clothes, toys and furniture such as a [[Crib (furniture)|crib]] to help embellish the fantasy.<ref>{{cite book | last = Baumeister | first = RF | year = 1989 | title = Masochism and Self | publisher = Lawrence Erlbaum Associates | pages = 159 | isbn = 0-8058-0486-2}}</ref> If a partner is willing, adult babies may engage in parent/baby [[roleplay]]. The adult baby may choose not to engage in sex while engaged in a baby role, since it is not babylike.<ref name = "Stekel143">[[#Stekel|Stekel]], W. (1952). ''Patterns of Psychosexual Infantilism''. Washington Square Press., ISBN 0-87140-840-61952, p. 143-4.</ref> Adult babies tend to fantasize themselves as adorable, sexually innocent, and powerless.
On the adult baby side of the spectrum is an interest in roleplaying as a baby or small child, called infantilism.{{sfn|APA| year = 2000 | pp= [http://books.google.com/books?id=3SQrtpnHb9MC&pg=PA569#v=onepage&q&f=false 568–573]}}{{verify source}} This may involve adult sized diapers and baby clothes, toys and furniture such as a [[Crib (furniture)|crib]] to help embellish the fantasy.<ref>{{cite book | last = Baumeister | first = RF | year = 1989 | title = Masochism and Self | publisher = Lawrence Erlbaum Associates | pages = 159 | isbn = 0-8058-0486-2}}</ref> If a partner is willing, adult babies may engage in parent/baby [[roleplay]]. The adult baby may choose not to engage in sex while engaged in a baby role, since it is not babylike.{{sfn|Stekel|1952|pp=143&ndash;144}} Adult babies tend to fantasize themselves as adorable, sexually innocent, and powerless.


<!-- DF -->
<!-- DF -->
On the diaper lover side of the spectrum is an urge toward wearing diapers for sensations of comfort or sexual stimulation. Diaper lovers commonly focus on diapers as [[Sexual fetishism|fetish]] items, or sexually charged objects,<ref name = DSM_fetish/> and might involve [[orgasm]] and [[ejaculation]]. Diaper lovers typically do not imagine themselves as babies. Rather, they more often see themselves as adults who are drawn to wearing diapers.
On the diaper lover side of the spectrum is an urge toward wearing diapers for sensations of comfort or sexual stimulation. Diaper lovers commonly focus on diapers as [[Sexual fetishism|fetish]] items, or sexually charged objects,{{sfn|APA| year = 2000 | pp= [http://books.google.com/books?id=3SQrtpnHb9MC&pg=PA569#v=onepage&q&f=false 568–573]}}{{verify source}} and might involve [[orgasm]] and [[ejaculation]]. Diaper lovers typically do not imagine themselves as babies. Rather, they more often see themselves as adults who are drawn to wearing diapers.<ref>{{cite pmid | 5929499 }}</ref>
<ref>Malitz S, (1966).[http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/reprint/122/12/1435?ijkey=d5f0d58f7f44ef004ef7ba4386e3a9d63c7525aa&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha Another report on the wearing of diapers and rubber pants by an adult male.] ''Am J Psychiatry'' 122:1435–1437</ref>


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== Other contrasts ==
== Other contrasts ==
=== Pedophilia ===
=== Pedophilia ===
Confusing infantilism with [[pedophilia]] is a common misunderstanding.<ref>{{cite book| last = Arndt | first = WB Jr. | year = 1991 | title = Gender Disorders and the Paraphilias | publisher = [[International Universities Press]] | pages = 394 | isbn = 0-8236-2150-2 }}</ref> Infantilists have a desire to be infants themselves, those with a diaper fetish have a sexual interest in diapers, and neither include a sexual interest towards children.<ref name = DSM_inf/><ref name = DSM_fetish/>
Confusing infantilism with [[pedophilia]] is a common misunderstanding.<ref>{{cite book| last = Arndt | first = WB Jr. | year = 1991 | title = Gender Disorders and the Paraphilias | publisher = [[International Universities Press]] | pages = 394 | isbn = 0-8236-2150-2 }}</ref> Infantilists have a desire to be infants themselves, those with a diaper fetish have a sexual interest in diapers, and neither include a sexual interest towards children.{{sfn|APA| year = 2000 | pp= [http://books.google.com/books?id=3SQrtpnHb9MC&pg=PA569#v=onepage&q&f=false 568–573]}}{{verify source}}


===Other infantilisms===
===Other infantilisms===
The term ''paraphilic infantilism'' is usually shortened to ''infantilism''. This can lead to some misunderstandings, since ''[[infantilism]]'' can also mean "lacking development". People with [[Mental retardation]] have never achieved average maturity, in contrast to adult babies, who actively set their maturity aside. In turn, the term ''psychosexual infantilism'' referred to those who had not "matured" through [[Freud]]'s [[psychosexual stages]] into [[heterosexuality]]. Similarly, [[Wilhelm Stekel]] used "psychosexual infantilism" as a category, similar to [[paraphilia]], including paraphilic infantilism<ref name="Stekel143"/> as well as other paraphilias and sexual orientations.<ref name = "Stekelvii">[[#Stekel|Stekel]], W. (1952). ''Patterns of Psychosexual Infantilism''. Washington Square Press., ISBN 0-87140-840-61952, p. vii.</ref>
The term ''paraphilic infantilism'' is usually shortened to ''infantilism''. This can lead to some misunderstandings, since ''[[infantilism]]'' can also mean "lacking development". People with [[Mental retardation]] have never achieved average maturity, in contrast to adult babies, who actively set their maturity aside. In turn, the term ''psychosexual infantilism'' referred to those who had not "matured" through [[Freud]]'s [[psychosexual stages]] into [[heterosexuality]]. Similarly, [[Wilhelm Stekel]] used "psychosexual infantilism" as a category, similar to [[paraphilia]], including paraphilic infantilism{{sfn|Stekel|1952|pp=143&ndash;144}} as well as other paraphilias and sexual orientations.{{sfn|Stekel|1952|p=vii}}


==Sissy babies, cross-dressing==
==Sissy babies, cross-dressing==
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== Medical aspects==
== Medical aspects==
Most AB/DLs do not seek [[psychotherapy]].<ref name="pate">{{cite pmid | 14594737 }}</ref><ref name="Stekel143"/> As a result, there is little published on the subject.<ref name=Mednet2002>{{cite web|last=Pretlow|first=Robert A|title=The internet can reveal previously unknown causes of medical conditions, such as attraction to diapers as a cause of enuresis and incontinence |publisher=Mednet 2002|url=http://www.mednet2002.org/abstracts/display.cfm?id=166472151}}</ref> Many published cases are only tangentially related<ref name = Pandita>{{cite pmid | 2279218 }}</ref><ref>{{cite pmid | 13202455 }}</ref><ref>{{cite pmid | 15514436 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last = Lehne | first = GK | coauthors = [[John Money|Money J]] | year = 2000 | title = The First Case of Paraphilia Treated with Depo-Provera: 40-Year Outcome | journal = Journal of Sex Education and Therapy | volume = 25 | issue = 4 | pages = 213–220}}</ref> to infantilism and diaper fetishism and should not be confused with the basic paraphilias.<ref name=DSM_568/> In one published case of extrapolating from too small a sample size, a desire similar to paraphilic infantilism was described as most often occurring in women.<ref>{{cite book | last = Allen | first = C | year = 1969 | title = A Textbook of Psychosexual Disorders | publisher = Oxford Medical Publications | pages = 290 | isbn = 0-19-264414-9}}</ref> In the future, Internet surveys are considered by some to be a better tool for gathering information than more traditional methods.<ref name=Mednet2002/>
Most AB/DLs do not seek [[psychotherapy]].<ref name="pate">{{cite pmid | 14594737 }}</ref>{{sfn|Stekel|1952|pp=143&ndash;144}} As a result, there is little published on the subject.<ref name=Mednet2002>{{cite web|last=Pretlow|first=Robert A|title=The internet can reveal previously unknown causes of medical conditions, such as attraction to diapers as a cause of enuresis and incontinence |publisher=Mednet 2002|url=http://www.mednet2002.org/abstracts/display.cfm?id=166472151}}</ref> Many published cases are only tangentially related<ref name = Pandita>{{cite pmid | 2279218 }}</ref><ref>{{cite pmid | 13202455 }}</ref><ref>{{cite pmid | 15514436 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last = Lehne | first = GK | coauthors = [[John Money|Money J]] | year = 2000 | title = The First Case of Paraphilia Treated with Depo-Provera: 40-Year Outcome | journal = Journal of Sex Education and Therapy | volume = 25 | issue = 4 | pages = 213–220}}</ref>{{Better source}} to infantilism and diaper fetishism and should not be confused with the basic paraphilias.{{sfn|APA| year = 2000 | pp= [http://books.google.com/books?id=3SQrtpnHb9MC&pg=PA569#v=onepage&q&f=false 568–573]}}{{verify source}} In one published case of extrapolating from too small a sample size, a desire similar to paraphilic infantilism was described as most often occurring in women.<ref>{{cite book | last = Allen | first = C | year = 1969 | title = A Textbook of Psychosexual Disorders | publisher = Oxford Medical Publications | pages = 290 | isbn = 0-19-264414-9}}</ref> In the future, Internet surveys are considered by some to be a better tool for gathering information than more traditional methods.<ref name=Mednet2002/>


== Causes ==
== Causes ==
⚫
To date no known broad-based scientific studies have yet been made on the most probable causes, incidence and general impact of paraphilic infantilism on society at large. This may be due to both the relative rarity of the condition, and also to the fact that few paraphilic infantilists appear to seek professional mental health counseling,<ref name="pate" />{{sfn|Stekel|1952|pp=143&ndash;144}} and that even fewer appear to require any type of pro-active mental health intervention in dealing with their condition.<ref name = Pandita/>

⚫
To date no known broad-based scientific studies have yet been made on the most probable causes, incidence and general impact of paraphilic infantilism on society at large. This may be due to both the relative rarity of the condition, and also to the fact that few paraphilic infantilists appear to seek professional mental health counseling,<ref name="pate" /><ref name="Stekel143"/> and that even fewer appear to require any type of pro-active mental health intervention in dealing with their condition.<ref name = Pandita/>


===Lovemap theory===
===Lovemap theory===
According to sexology researcher, [[John Money]], normally by the age of 8, the human mind will have fully developed its [[lovemap]], which will serve as a kind of sexual template through to the end of one's adult life. This lovemap is "a developmental representation or template in the mind and in the brain depicting the idealized lover and the idealized program of sexual and erotic activity projected in imagery or actually engaged in".<ref>[[#Money|Money]], John (1986). ''Love Maps - Clinical Concepts of Sexual/Erotic Health and Pathology, Paraphilia, and Gender Transposition in Childhood, Adolescence, and Maturity'', Promethius Books, New York, ISBN 0-8290-1589-2 1986, p. [http://books.google.com/books?id=OpkY2Fqwx_UC&pg=PA290#v=onepage&q&f=false 290].</ref> Money equates all paraphilias with the formation of abnormal lovemaps during the preadolescent years. Such abnormal lovemaps can be formed by any number of contributing factors or stressors during this developmental period.<ref>[[#Money|Money]], John (1986). ''Love Maps - Clinical Concepts of Sexual/Erotic Health and Pathology, Paraphilia, and Gender Transposition in Childhood, Adolescence, and Maturity'', Promethius Books, New York, ISBN 0-8290-1589-2 1986, p. [http://books.google.com/books?id=OpkY2Fqwx_UC&pg=PA34#v=onepage&q&f=false 34].</ref> In the case described by Dr. Pandita-Gunawardena above, he believed that the primary stressor was a certain 6-month-long coma that his patient experienced at the age of 6, and the resultant aftercare provided by the patient's mother. In a case reported by Gregory Lehne, Lehne postulated that his client's infantilistic lovemap may have been imprinted in his client's mind at the ages of 6 and 7. During this youthful period his patient reported having been disciplined by his mother in a certain clearly inappropriate manner which included being forced to publicly wear a diaper and a girl's dress throughout his neighborhood.<ref>{{cite book | last = Saleh | first =F | year = 2009 | title = Sex Offenders: Identification, Risk Assessment, Treatment, and Legal Issues | pages = [http://books.google.com/books?id=K2Tpk3qHkwcC&pg=PA18#v=onepage&q&f=false 18] | publisher = [[Oxford University Press]] | isbn = 0-19-517704-5}}</ref>
According to sexology researcher, [[John Money]], normally by the age of 8, the human mind will have fully developed its [[lovemap]], which will serve as a kind of sexual template through to the end of one's adult life. This lovemap is "a developmental representation or template in the mind and in the brain depicting the idealized lover and the idealized program of sexual and erotic activity projected in imagery or actually engaged in".{{sfn|Money|1986|p=[http://books.google.com/books?id=OpkY2Fqwx_UC&pg=PA290#v=onepage&q&f=false 290]}} Money equates all paraphilias with the formation of abnormal lovemaps during the preadolescent years. Such abnormal lovemaps can be formed by any number of contributing factors or stressors during this developmental period.{{sfn|Money|1986|p = [http://books.google.com/books?id=OpkY2Fqwx_UC&pg=PA34#v=onepage&q&f=false 34]}}n the case described by Dr. Pandita-Gunawardena above, he believed that the primary stressor was a certain 6-month-long coma that his patient experienced at the age of 6, and the resultant aftercare provided by the patient's mother. In a case reported by Gregory Lehne, Lehne postulated that his client's infantilistic lovemap may have been imprinted in his client's mind at the ages of 6 and 7. During this youthful period his patient reported having been disciplined by his mother in a certain clearly inappropriate manner which included being forced to publicly wear a diaper and a girl's dress throughout his neighborhood.<ref>{{cite book | last = Saleh | first =F | year = 2009 | title = Sex Offenders: Identification, Risk Assessment, Treatment, and Legal Issues | pages = [http://books.google.com/books?id=K2Tpk3qHkwcC&pg=PA18#v=onepage&q&f=false 18] | publisher = [[Oxford University Press]] | isbn = 0-19-517704-5}}</ref>


== Sex ratio ==
== Sex ratio ==
There is a strong tendency for AB/DLs to be male. Estimates range from 10 to 20 males per female AB/DL.<ref name = DSM_568/>
There is a strong tendency for AB/DLs to be male. Estimates range from 10 to 20 males per female AB/DL.{{sfn|APA| year = 2000 | pp= [http://books.google.com/books?id=3SQrtpnHb9MC&pg=PA569#v=onepage&q&f=false 568–573]}}{{verify source}}


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 49: Line 48:
==Notes==
==Notes==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}

==References==
* {{cite book | last = APA | title = [[Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders]] | edition = IV-TR | year = 2000 | publisher = [[American Psychiatric Association|American Psychiatric Pub]] | | isbn = 0890420254 | ref = harv}}
*{{cite book | last = Money | first = J | authorlink = John Money | year = 1986 | title = Love Maps - Clinical Concepts of Sexual/Erotic Health and Pathology, Paraphilia, and Gender Transposition in Childhood, Adolescence, and Maturity | publisher = [[Prometheus Books]] | location = New York | isbn = 0-8290-1589-2 | ref = harv}}
*{{cite book | last = Stekel | first = W | authorlink = Wilhelm Stekel | year = 1952 | title = 'Patterns of Psychosexual Infantilism | publisher = Washington Square Press | isbn = 0-87140-840-61952 | ref = harv}}


==Further reading==
==Further reading==

Revision as of 21:08, 10 August 2011

For sexual feelings experienced during childhood, see Child sexuality.

Paraphilic infantilism is a paraphilia, and includes a certain form of psychological regression.[1] In the majority of cases, it does not interfere greatly with a person's work or casual social life. It is characterized by the seemingly uncontrollable desire to wear diapers, due to reasons other than medical necessity, and/or be treated as an infant[2] or toddler. Within the community of such diaper wearers, one who engages only in the erotic or sexual aspect of diaper wearing without experiencing any accompanying regression fantasies is known as a diaper lover (or DL). An adult who only engages in the infantilistic play aspect is known as an adult baby (or AB).[3] An adult who may experience both of these things is referred to as an AB/DL.[4][5] In 2004, an informal online survey of 80 adult diaper wearers showed that approximately 40% considered themselves strictly DL's, approximately 40% were mixed, and 20% considered themselves strictly AB's. The survey also indicated that there is a significant number of teenagers who engage in this practice.[1] The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, indicates that a majority of infantilists are heterosexual males.[2][verification needed]

DLs and ABs differ in self-image and the focus of attention. Neither includes a sexual preference for children. There is no singular, typical behavior for paraphilic infantilism, but a wide range of thought patterns and behaviors. Some fantasize about being free of guilt, responsibility, or control, whereas others might not. Some act indistinguishably from a baby at times, while others practice in a way that would probably not be noticed by passers by on the street. The desires and tastes of paraphilic infantilists vary around common themes of diapers and babyhood.[6][verification needed]

A central practice to AB/DL is wearing a diaper. When wearing diapers, many AB/DLs like to urinate in them, and a smaller number defecate in them.[1]

Differences between infantilism and diaper fetishism

Although there is no typical AB/DL, the interests of AB/DLs tend to fall along a spectrum. This can be called the spectrum between infantilism and diaper fetishism[2][verification needed] or the spectrum between adult babies and diaper lovers. The mix of interests and fantasies might vary along this spectrum, depending on the individual.

On the adult baby side of the spectrum is an interest in roleplaying as a baby or small child, called infantilism.[2][verification needed] This may involve adult sized diapers and baby clothes, toys and furniture such as a crib to help embellish the fantasy.[7] If a partner is willing, adult babies may engage in parent/baby roleplay. The adult baby may choose not to engage in sex while engaged in a baby role, since it is not babylike.[8] Adult babies tend to fantasize themselves as adorable, sexually innocent, and powerless.

On the diaper lover side of the spectrum is an urge toward wearing diapers for sensations of comfort or sexual stimulation. Diaper lovers commonly focus on diapers as fetish items, or sexually charged objects,[2][verification needed] and might involve orgasm and ejaculation. Diaper lovers typically do not imagine themselves as babies. Rather, they more often see themselves as adults who are drawn to wearing diapers.[9]

In practice, the distinction between the two is much narrower; both involve diapers and adults. Diaper lovers may sometimes enjoy engaging in infantilism while adult babies may find themselves sometimes wearing diapers purely for physical pleasure. It is common for adult babies and diaper lovers to describe themselves as 'mostly AB' or 'mostly DL,' based on which end of the spectrum they engage in more frequently. Those with urophilia and coprophilia may enjoy similar practices.

Other contrasts

Pedophilia

Confusing infantilism with pedophilia is a common misunderstanding.[10] Infantilists have a desire to be infants themselves, those with a diaper fetish have a sexual interest in diapers, and neither include a sexual interest towards children.[2][verification needed]

Other infantilisms

The term paraphilic infantilism is usually shortened to infantilism. This can lead to some misunderstandings, since infantilism can also mean "lacking development". People with Mental retardation have never achieved average maturity, in contrast to adult babies, who actively set their maturity aside. In turn, the term psychosexual infantilism referred to those who had not "matured" through Freud's psychosexual stages into heterosexuality. Similarly, Wilhelm Stekel used "psychosexual infantilism" as a category, similar to paraphilia, including paraphilic infantilism[8] as well as other paraphilias and sexual orientations.[11]

Sissy babies, cross-dressing

A sissy baby is a male AB/DL who mixes gender play with infantilism.[5] This cross-dressing might involve stereotypical or exaggerated "little girl" clothing, such as panties or dresses. Sissies are not necessarily transsexual in that, while some might be expressing an alter ego that is a baby girl, they might not wish to be an adult woman at other times. Alternatively, some transgender people simply participate in ageplay as their gender identity as an extension of their transgender life. Similarly, some sissy baby's partake in this activity as a means of humiliation, and have no desire to be a female or have such an alter ego.

Medical aspects

Most AB/DLs do not seek psychotherapy.[3][8] As a result, there is little published on the subject.[12] Many published cases are only tangentially related[13][14][15][16][better source needed] to infantilism and diaper fetishism and should not be confused with the basic paraphilias.[2][verification needed] In one published case of extrapolating from too small a sample size, a desire similar to paraphilic infantilism was described as most often occurring in women.[17] In the future, Internet surveys are considered by some to be a better tool for gathering information than more traditional methods.[12]

Causes

To date no known broad-based scientific studies have yet been made on the most probable causes, incidence and general impact of paraphilic infantilism on society at large. This may be due to both the relative rarity of the condition, and also to the fact that few paraphilic infantilists appear to seek professional mental health counseling,[3][8] and that even fewer appear to require any type of pro-active mental health intervention in dealing with their condition.[13]

Lovemap theory

According to sexology researcher, John Money, normally by the age of 8, the human mind will have fully developed its lovemap, which will serve as a kind of sexual template through to the end of one's adult life. This lovemap is "a developmental representation or template in the mind and in the brain depicting the idealized lover and the idealized program of sexual and erotic activity projected in imagery or actually engaged in".[18] Money equates all paraphilias with the formation of abnormal lovemaps during the preadolescent years. Such abnormal lovemaps can be formed by any number of contributing factors or stressors during this developmental period.[19]n the case described by Dr. Pandita-Gunawardena above, he believed that the primary stressor was a certain 6-month-long coma that his patient experienced at the age of 6, and the resultant aftercare provided by the patient's mother. In a case reported by Gregory Lehne, Lehne postulated that his client's infantilistic lovemap may have been imprinted in his client's mind at the ages of 6 and 7. During this youthful period his patient reported having been disciplined by his mother in a certain clearly inappropriate manner which included being forced to publicly wear a diaper and a girl's dress throughout his neighborhood.[20]

Sex ratio

There is a strong tendency for AB/DLs to be male. Estimates range from 10 to 20 males per female AB/DL.[2][verification needed]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b c Speaker, TJ, Psychosexual Infantilism in Adults: The Eroticization of Regression, Sausalito, CA: Columbia Pacific University, p. 93
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h APA, pp. 568–573.
  3. ^ a b c Attention: This template ({{cite pmid}}) is deprecated. To cite the publication identified by PMID 14594737 , please use {{cite journal}} with |pmid= 14594737 instead.
  4. ^ Watson, J (2005-06-09). "Baby Man". Phoenix New Times. Retrieved 2011-02-28.
  5. ^ a b Taormino, T (2002-08-13). "Still in Diapers". The Village Voice. Retrieved 2007-05-08.
  6. ^ APA 2000, pp. 568–573.
  7. ^ Baumeister, RF (1989). Masochism and Self. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. p. 159. ISBN 0-8058-0486-2.
  8. ^ a b c d Stekel 1952, pp. 143–144.
  9. ^ Attention: This template ({{cite pmid}}) is deprecated. To cite the publication identified by PMID 5929499 , please use {{cite journal}} with |pmid= 5929499 instead.
  10. ^ Arndt, WB Jr. (1991). Gender Disorders and the Paraphilias. International Universities Press. p. 394. ISBN 0-8236-2150-2.
  11. ^ Stekel 1952, p. vii.
  12. ^ a b Pretlow, Robert A. "The internet can reveal previously unknown causes of medical conditions, such as attraction to diapers as a cause of enuresis and incontinence". Mednet 2002.
  13. ^ a b Attention: This template ({{cite pmid}}) is deprecated. To cite the publication identified by PMID 2279218 , please use {{cite journal}} with |pmid= 2279218 instead.
  14. ^ Attention: This template ({{cite pmid}}) is deprecated. To cite the publication identified by PMID 13202455 , please use {{cite journal}} with |pmid= 13202455 instead.
  15. ^ Attention: This template ({{cite pmid}}) is deprecated. To cite the publication identified by PMID 15514436 , please use {{cite journal}} with |pmid= 15514436 instead.
  16. ^ Lehne, GK (2000). "The First Case of Paraphilia Treated with Depo-Provera: 40-Year Outcome". Journal of Sex Education and Therapy. 25 (4): 213–220. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ Allen, C (1969). A Textbook of Psychosexual Disorders. Oxford Medical Publications. p. 290. ISBN 0-19-264414-9.
  18. ^ Money 1986, p. 290.
  19. ^ Money 1986, p. 34.
  20. ^ Saleh, F (2009). Sex Offenders: Identification, Risk Assessment, Treatment, and Legal Issues. Oxford University Press. pp. 18. ISBN 0-19-517704-5.

References

Further reading

  • Love, B (1992). Encyclopedia of Unusual Sex Practices. Barricade Books. ISBN 0-942637-64-X.
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