Wiederman, M. W. (2003). Paraphilia and fetishism. The Family Journal, 11(3), 315–321. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480703252663 

Skidmore College

- Human Sexuality 
- Puberty
- Sexual Orientation 
- Gender Identity 
- Sexual Relationships/ Activities
- Paraphilias  
- Sexuality across the human lifespan 
- Sexuality and Disability 
- Sexual Dysfunction 


Topics of Sexology

Gender identity is an individual's internal, personal sense of being a man, woman, both, or neither. It is a distinct concept from sexual orientation, which relates to attraction, although the two are often mistakenly conflated. While a person's gender identity often corresponds to their sex assigned at birth (based on chromosomes and phenotype), this is not always the case. Gender identity should also not be confused with gender expression, which is the outward presentation of one's gender. It is crucial for clinicians to understand these distinctions and be knowledgeable about gender-affirming care.

Gender Identity

A relationship that involves physical and/or emotional intimacy. 

Intimate Relationships

Paraphilia and fetishism

Paraphilia

Sexual Dysfunctions are characterized by clinically significant disturbances related to an individual’s ability to respond sexually or experience sexual pleasure. This requires a multidimensional approach to diagnoses by considering the biological, sociological, and psychological factors that influence the ways in which individuals experience sex. However, these disorders, do not include sexual dysfunctions that are a result of inadequate or a lack of stimulation or knowledge which may still be treated, but are not diagnosed.

Sexual Dysfunctions

Sexual orientation (or sexuality) has multiple dimensions and is a person's identity in relation to the gender(s) they are physically and/or emotionally attracted to. It concerns an individuals romantic, emotional, and/or erotic attraction towards others (or the absence of).

Sexual Orientation

Puberty is the transitional process of physical changes through which a child's body matures into an adult body capable of sexual reproduction. While the sequence of these physical changes is predictable, the timing of onset and the pace of development can vary significantly among individuals.

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