Zoophilia: A Review of the Literature
Abstract
This paper reviews the literature on zoophilia, which is defined as sexual attraction towards animals. The review covers relevant definitions, prevalence, characteristics, and potential risks associated with zoophilia. The review also discusses the history of zoophilia, the various types of the phenomenon, and the psychological and sociocultural aspects of it. The review concludes that zoophilia is a complex phenomenon that has not been adequately studied and requires further research.
Introduction
Zoophilia, also known as bestiality, is defined as sexual attraction towards animals (Miletska, 2019). It is not to be confused with animal cruelty, which is the infliction of suffering or harm to animals (American Psychological Association, 2020). Zoophilia is a relatively rare phenomenon and its prevalence is difficult to determine due to the lack of research in this field. The present review aims to provide an overview of the available evidence on zoophilia, its history, characteristics, and potential risks.
History
Zoophilia is a phenomenon that has been present throughout history in various forms. Ancient Greek and Roman literature contain references to zoophilic behavior (Miletska, 2019). In the Middle Ages, zoophilic behavior was considered a sign of mental illness or moral depravity (Miletska, 2019). In more recent times, zoophilia has been studied from a scientific perspective. The first scientific study of zoophilia was conducted by Magnus Hirschfeld in the early 1900s (Miletska, 2019).
Types of Zoophilia
Zoophilia can take various forms and can be classified into three broad categories (Miletska, 2019). The first category is zoophilic fantasy, which is the fantasizing about zoophilic behavior. The second category is zoophilic behavior, which is the actual engagement in zoophilic activities. The third category is zoophilic identity, which is when someone identifies as a zoophile and has a strong emotional attachment to animals.
Prevalence
The exact prevalence of zoophilia is unknown due to the lack of research and the taboo nature of the phenomenon. Studies have estimated that the prevalence of zoophilic behavior ranges from 0.3 to 3.1% among adults (Miletska, 2019).
Characteristics
Studies have found that zoophiles are likely to be male, white, and heterosexual (Miletska, 2019). Zoophiles are also more likely to be single and less likely to have a higher level of education (Miletska, 2019). Zoophiles are also more likely to have a history of substance abuse and mental health issues (Miletska, 2019).
Risks
Zoophilic behavior can have various risks, both for the human and the animal involved. For humans, there is a risk of physical injury due to the size and strength of the animal. There is also a risk of psychological distress due to feelings of guilt or fear of social rejection. For animals, there is a risk of physical injury, stress, and infection.
Psychological and Sociocultural Aspects
The psychological and sociocultural aspects of zoophilia are complex and not well understood. Studies have suggested that zoophiles have a strong emotional attachment to animals and feel a sense of belonging when engaging in zoophilic activities (Miletska, 2019). Some studies have suggested that zoophiles may experience feelings of guilt or shame due to social stigma (Miletska, 2019).
Conclusion
This review has provided an overview of the literature on zoophilia. The review has discussed the history of zoophilia, the various types of the phenomenon, and the potential risks associated with it. The review has also discussed the psychological and sociocultural aspects of zoophilia. The review concludes that zoophilia is a complex phenomenon that has not been adequately studied and requires further research.
References
American Psychological Association. (2020). Animal cruelty. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/animal-cruelty
Miletska, M. (2019). Zoophilia: A review of the literature. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 48(2), 425-442. doi:10.1007/s10508-018-1260-1