Abnormal Psychology Application response ch 11

Chapter 11 Application Response (25 Pts)
In this week’s application response I want you to discuss the concepts of the sex disorders. Throughout human history norms have changed on what is considered to be “healthy sexuality.” It has varied by culture, society, and time and today’s culture in the United States is not any different.
In the past and in different cultures there have been multiple examples of how something that was seen as a sexual abnormality, becomes accepted as a normal process. Also in that process, though, we see that there are many discriminatory and harmful beliefs about different sexual behaviors.
For example:
Until 1980 the DSM considered homosexuality a mental disorder.
In the Victorian Era “nymphomania” was seen as a vile illness where women were regularly orgasmic and enjoyed sex.
In the 1930’s American physicians believed in “masturbatory insanity” in which masturbation could cause fatigue, physical illness, and even mental disorders.
Even in today’s United States society many coaches insist their players refrain from sex before games/sporting events because it will reduce their performance in their sport the next day.
As you can see, we often see sexual norms being created without much scientific evidence to back up the assertions we have about the these sexual behaviors being “deviant”, “dangerous”, “dysfunctional”, and/or “distressing.”

What I want you to discuss this week is: what is the scientific basis for a “sexual disorder” in the DSM 5? That is, discuss the scientific reasoning that each of the disorders of sex should be considered “abnormal.” Use your 4 D’s in that discussion of each of the disorders. Focus your discussion on the Paraphilic Disorders and be very detailed in the evidence for these disorders to be considered clinically abnormal.
Next, I want you to discuss in depth your reasoning as to why the DSM might actually be falling prey to societal “norms” and non-scientific reasoning as to some of these paraphilias being “clinically abnormal.” Give sufficient evidence in your thought processes for any claims you make.

As usual, this assignment should be typed, 12 point normal font, double spaced, and proofread. When completed, attach your Application Response in “Assignments” as a word document. If you have any questions, please ask as soon as possible. Unanswered questions lead to lost points.

SAMPLE SOLUTION

Abnormal Psychology Application Response Chapter 11

Sexual Disorders

For a disorder to be considered paraphilia in the DSM 5 requires that the people with the interests feel personally distressed about the interest and not one that result from disapproval by the society. Such individuals must have a sexual behavior that embroils another person’s psychological injury, pain, death, or one that involves people that cannot give legal consent (Comer, 2016). For a non-consenting victim, a voyeuristic disorder is evident when a person has a recurrent and vigorous sexual stimulation from watching an unsuspecting naked person, in the process of disrobing or engaging in a sexual act. The person acting on the urges must be at least 18 years old. It is an exhibitionist disorder if the individual exposes their genitals to unsuspecting people. It must be specified if the arousal is caused when the genitals are exposed to pre-pubertal kids, mature persons, or to both. The frotteurism disorder occurs when a person is aroused from touching or rubbing against a person who has not given consent…