Sexual sharing paraphilias like cuckolding and troilism have long been taboo yet widespread practices.
New clinical research sheds light on the pathological roots of these unconventional behaviors.
Key Facts:
- Study finds traumatic experiences in youth trigger counterphobic adaptations underlying sexual sharing paraphilias
- 98% of subjects exhibit multiple significant dysfunctional personality traits
- 100% report psychosexual childhood trauma and dissatisfaction with monogamy
- Positive reinforcement of dysfunctional beliefs perpetuates pathological attachment
Source: International Journal of Sexual and Reproductive Health Care
Traumatic Experiences in Formative Years Plant the Seeds for Cuckolding
A new study investigated the psychopathological origins of sexual sharing paraphilias like cuckolding and troilism.
Researchers conducted extensive clinical interviews and testing on 108 subjects exhibiting these behaviors.
Analysis of subjects’ histories revealed childhood trauma as a common thread.
100% reported experiencing significant psychological or physical abuse early in life.
All described dysfunctional family dynamics and inadequate sexual education while growing up.
Researchers conclude traumatic events during youth or early adulthood plant the seeds for later adoption of sexual sharing practices.
These experiences negatively impact subjects’ perceptions of relationships and sexuality.
Feelings of distrust, insecurity and fear of betrayal take root.
Counterphobic Adaptations Reflect Inner Turmoil
Sexual sharing paraphilias represent counterphobic adaptations to past emotional trauma.
The term “counterphobic” refers to behaviors that externally contradict inner fears in an attempt to overcome them.
In this case, the fear of romantic betrayal spawned by early trauma leads to endorsement of partner sharing.
By willingly allowing their partner sexual contact with others, subjects aim to avoid being hurt again.
What they dread most is brought under their control.
This cognitive distortion provides a false sense of security.
Granting their partner freedom is seen as insurance against secrets and betrayal. In reality, the possibility remains.
Personality disorders common in cuckolds
Testing of subjects pointed to profound personality issues.
The Perrotta Integrative Clinical Interview revealed multiple dysfunctional traits across all participants.
98% met criteria for at least 5 significant traits characteristic of disorders like borderline, narcissistic, masochistic, manic, and dependent.
Comorbid conditions were also common like ADHD, body dysmorphia, and eating disorders.
The depth of character pathology exceeded expected levels.
It indicates serious impairment in personality functioning underlying sexual sharing interests.
Polyamory & dissatisfaction with monogamy is common
The Perrotta Sexual Matrix Questionnaire probed dissatisfaction with conventional relationships.
Across the board, subjects endorsed a polygamous orientation and disavowal of monogamy.
Around half attributed their non-monogamous stance to doubts about the viability of monogamy altogether.
Over a third connected it to previous betrayal leading to fear of recurrence.
A smaller portion linked their sexual sharing to issues like physical dysfunction or paraphilic urges.
But in all cases, monogamy failed to meet their psychological needs.
Pathological Attachment Styles: Emotional Dependence on partners
The Perrotta Affective Dependence Questionnaire evaluated clinical attachment styles.
It found that 97% of subjects showed a pathological emotional dependency on their partner.
Borderline, dependent and masochistic attachment styles predominated.
Narcissistic and histrionic patterns were also detected.
This evidence points to deeply ingrained maladaptive ways of relating.
Researchers conclude pathological attachment to a partner reinforces dysfunctional sexual beliefs.
The resulting viscous cycle helps solidify non-monogamous practices over time.
Positive Reinforcement Perpetuates Cuckolding Relationships
What allows counterphobic adaptations like sexual sharing to become entrenched over time? The mechanism of positive reinforcement seems key.
Whenever subjects engage in cuckolding or troilism, internal emotional payoffs ensue.
Their deep-seated fears of betrayal are avoided or mitigated.
This rewarding effect reinforces the irrational belief in sex sharing as safety.
With repetition, neural pathways associated with pleasure and addiction are strengthened.
The behavior becomes habitual and compulsory despite the lingering dysfunctional foundation.
Implications for Understanding Paraphilias
This clinical glimpse into the psychological underpinnings of sexual sharing paraphilias has wider implications.
It sheds light on the complex interplay between childhood trauma, personality dysfunction, cognitive distortion and behavioral addiction.
The study authors conclude counterphobic origins and positive reinforcement may drive other unusual sexual interests as well.
More research on the pathological pathway is needed across paraphilic disorders.
At the same time, the findings reveal a set of treatable biopsychosocial factors at the root of these conditions.
Trauma resolution, cognitive restructuring and attachment rehabilitation offer potential aven avenues for therapeutic intervention.
References
- Study: The counterphobic matrix of cuckolding and troilism: The psychopathological origin of sexual sharing paraphilias
- Authors: Giulio Perrotta (2022)
