HETEROGENEITY OF APPROACHES TO DEFINING SEXUAL NORMS AND DEVIATIONS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL DISCOURSE

Abstract

The relevance of the study stems from the need for a deeper understanding of how people perceive and distinguish between paraphilic and normophilic sexual interests. This is especially important for the development of modern models of sexuality, improvement of psychological practice, high-quality forensic examination, and an effective system of mental and physical health care. The problem goes far beyond the dichotomy of “normpathology”, especially in the context of socio-psychological factors, individual experience, cultural influence, socialisation processes, ethical ideas and subjective perception.The purpose of the study is to theoretically examine the factors that influence attitudes towards sexual interests, including paraphilic ones. To achieve this goal, a number of tasks were set: to analyse the concepts of paraphilia and normophilia, to study perceptions of these interests and behaviour. The methodological apparatus of the study included a theoretical analysis of the literature.