The Psychopathology of Sexual Perversions.

Bennet EA

doi:10.1177/003591573302600826

Abstract

Current views on causation of sexual perversion.An alternative to these, based on the relationship of the pervert with others, is put forward.Sexual perversions and psychoneuroses are not positive and negative aspects of infantile sexual components.VERBATIM EXTRACTS FROM THE ANALYSIS OF A PATIENT WITH SEXUAL PERVERSION ARE GIVEN TO ILLUSTRATE AND SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING VIEWS: (a) The emotional relationship between the pervert and others is an essential element in the condition. (b) The physical aspects of the perversion are of secondary importance to the mental. (c) The perversion indicates a failure in personal and social integration; and an effort is made to alter this by means of aggressiveness, adopted child-like conduct, and perversions. (d) The perversions were manifold in type but uniform in purpose. (e) The policy of the illness was to regain a satisfying personal and social life. (f) The same policy is found in the psychoneuroses.

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Proc R Soc Med. 1933 Jun; 26(8): 1030–1034.

PMCID: PMC2204848

PMID: 19989352

The Psychopathology of Sexual Perversions

E. A. Bennet

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Abstract

Current views on causation of sexual perversion.

An alternative to these, based on the relationship of the pervert with others, is put forward.

Sexual perversions and psychoneuroses are not positive and negative aspects of infantile sexual components.

Verbatim extracts from the analysis of a patient with sexual perversion are given to illustrate and support the following views: (a) The emotional relationship between the pervert and others is an essential element in the condition. (b) The physical aspects of the perversion are of secondary importance to the mental. (c) The perversion indicates a failure in personal and social integration; and an effort is made to alter this by means of aggressiveness, adopted child-like conduct, and perversions. (d) The perversions were manifold in type but uniform in purpose. (e) The policy of the illness was to regain a satisfying personal and social life. (f) The same policy is found in the psychoneuroses.