Exhibitionism: Etiology and treatment.

Sexual Deviation: Paraphilias

“…The majority of them (72%) are for sexual offenses. Blair and Lanyon (1981) stated that most studies were consistent in reporting that exhibitionists suffered from inferiority feelings and were viewed as timid and unassertive, socially inept, and had problems expressing hostility. Other studies (e.g., Langevin et al, 1979), however, have found that exposers are unremarkable in terms of personality functioning.…”

“…In their review of the characteristics of exhibitionists, Blair and Lanyon (1981) reported that the age of onset is usually in the early to mid-twenties, although it is commonly assumed that the activity begins in adolescence. One study found that the deviant sexual interest developed before age eighteen in half of the cases (Abel & Rouleau, 1990).…”

“…This is apparently more common in unmarried exposers (Blair & Lanyon, 1981). Sexual dysfunctions such as erectile failure and premature ejaculation are reportedly uncommon (Lang et al, 1987).…”

“…The biological theories postulate an association between epilepsy, especially excess neural discharges in the limbic system, and exposing; however, there is little or no support for this view (Blair & Lanyon, 1981). The psychoanalytic explanations have centered on the concepts of castration anxiety and oedipal conflicts.…”

Different clients, different needs? Practice issues in community‐based treatment for sex offenders

“…Rapists are frequently sexually experienced, tend to be more heterosexually skilled than child molesters and exhibitionists, and are often in a relationship at the time of their offence (Blair & Lanyon, 1981;Segal & Marshall, 1985). However, many have difficulties in establishing intimacy and may be lacking in those skills which enable a relationship to be maintained and enhanced (Fisher & Howells, 1993).…”