photo taken from sharpiron.wordpress.com

What comes to your mind when you hear sexual voyeurism? If you haven’t heard of it, sexual voyeurism according to britannica online encyclopedia is a human sexual behavior involving achievement of sexual arousal through viewing the sexual activities of others or through watching others disrobe. In our world today, sexual voyeurism in some extent is widespread and various types of sexual display are a normal part of sexual attraction and mating behavior in most animals and humans yet voyeurism is said to be a deviant behavior when observation ceases to be merely one factor in sexual attraction and becomes the sole or primary source of gratification. The voyeur is usually hidden from view of others. Voyeurism is a form of paraphilia. Because of this behavior, a lot of individuals are having a hard time achieving a healthy sexuality.

What are the causes of sexual voyeurism? There is no scientific consensus concerning the basis for voyeurism. Experts attribute the behavior to an initially random or accidental observation of an unsuspecting person who is naked, in the process of disrobing or engaging in sexual activity. It is said that successive repititions of the act tend to reinforce and perpetuate the voyeuristic behavior.

The symptoms of sexual voyeurism include intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors involving the act of observing an unsuspecting person who is naked, in the process of disrobing, or engaging in sexual activity in a span of six months. These sexual urges, fantasies or behaviors cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning.

How to treat sexual voyeurism? In order for treatment to be successful, the voyeur must want to modify existing patterns of behavior. This step is very difficult for most voyeurs to admit and take. Most must be compelled to accept treatment. This may often be the result of a court order. It is said that behavioral therapy is commonly used to treat voyeurism. The voyeur must learn to control the impulse to watch non-consenting victims, and just as importantly to acquire more acceptable means of sexual gratification. Outcomes of behavioral therapy are not known. There are no direct drug treatments for voyeurism. Sexual voyeurism is a criminal act in many jurisdictions. It is usually classified as a misdemeanor. As a result, legal penalties are often minor. The possibility of exposure and embarassment may deter some voyeurs. It is also not easy to prosecute voyeurs as intent to watch is difficult to prove. In their defense statements, they usually claim that the observation was accidental. ( taken from minddisorders.com )

Is there a way to prevent sexual voyeurism? Indeed there is. Most experts agree that providing guidance regarding behavior that is culturally acceptable will prevent the development of a paraphilia such as voyeurism may be accidental observation with subsequent sexual gratification. There is no way to predict when such an event and association will occur. To reduce sexual voyeurism, members of society can do so by dropping blinds or closing window curtains. In a nutshell, reducing opportunities for voyeurism may reduce the practice.

Do you think you have the symptoms of having such disorder? If so, you must make an appointment with your therapist or counselor. A healthy sexuality is more preffered than having such disorders. If you want to achieve a healthy sexuality, then see your therapist now before it’s too late.