MAP Forum

Sexually problematic behaviors permeated society long before their recognition as medical or psychiatric disorders. Descriptions of voyeurism, bestiality, and exhibitionism are even found in the Bible.1 The societal perception of sexual acts as “deviant” was commonly based on factors like the degree of consent involved, the potential for harm or distress, or societal distaste for certain sexual behaviors.2 Over time, perception about such sexual behaviors has evolved considerably. In ancient Greek society, sexual relationships between adult men and adolescent boys were commonplace and seen as a form of mentoring.3 In contrast homosexuality and masturbation, while once considered aberrant expressions of sexuality, have since become normalized in most modern societies.4 Other expressions of sexual deviance, such as pedophilia, continue to be regarded as socially unacceptable, yet have undergone significant evolution in their conceptualization from perversion to pathology.