Paraphilic infantilism: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Sexual and/or non-sexual fetish that involves role-playing a regression to an infant-like state}} |
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'''Paraphilic infantilism''', also known as '''autonepiophilia'''<ref>{{cite book|last=Corsini|first=Raymond J.|title=The Dictionary of Psychology|year=2002|publisher=Psychology Press|isbn=978-1-58391-328-4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0uxnglHzYaoC&pg=PA374|access-date=2016-02-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818035836/https://books.google.com/books?id=0uxnglHzYaoC&pg=PA374|archive-date=2017-08-18|url-status=live}}</ref> and '''adult baby''',<ref name = Russell>{{cite book | last = Russell | first = J | year = 2008 | title = Exploring Psychology for AS Level AQA 'A'| isbn = 978-1-85008-258-3 | publisher = Folens Limited | pages =[https://books.google.com/books?id=4ereiHom3d8C&pg=PA200 200]}}</ref> is a [[sexual fetish]] or non-sexual fetish that may involve [[role-playing]] a [[Regression (psychology)|regression]] to an [[infant]]-like state.<ref name = Hickey>{{cite book|last=Hickey|first=Eric W.|title=Sex Crimes and Paraphilia | publisher= [[Pearson Education]] |year=2006|isbn=978-0-13-170350-6 | page =355}}</ref><ref name = Speaker>{{citation | last = Speaker | first = TJ | title = Psychosexual Infantilism in Adults: The Eroticization of Regression| publisher = Columbia Pacific University | page = 93 | location = Sausalito, CA }}</ref> Paraphilic infantilism is a form of [[ageplay]]. People who practice paraphilic infantilism are often colloquially referred to (by themselves and others) as "adult babies", or "ABs". |
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'''Infantilism''' (paraphilic) is a psychological condition experienced by those whose level of physical maturity has progressed beyond the life-stage of infancy. The defining aspect of this condition is a profound sense of well-being or a great pleasure that becomes associated with various infantile objects and/ or infantile roleplaying. Infantilists most likely fall in one of two groups: '''Adult Baby (AB)''', and '''Diaper Lover (DL)'''. Adult Babies between the ages of twelve and twenty may also label themselves Teen Babies (TBs). But, while ABs and DLs tend to associate with each other (forming a collective group known as '''ABDL'''s), it would be accurate to state that DLs are not necessarily infantilists. The distinction is made that while there is a sexual component to wearing a diaper for a DL, the diaper is not always seen as a symbol of regressing to an infantile state. |
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Behaviors may include things such as wearing childish clothes, wearing or using [[diaper]]s, cuddling with [[Stuffed toy|stuffed animals]], drinking from a [[baby bottle|bottle]] or sucking on a [[pacifier]],<ref name="Russell" /><ref name="Speaker" />{{sfn|Money|1986|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=OpkY2Fqwx_UC&pg=PA70 70]}} and (when done with others) engaging in gentle and nurturing experiences,<ref name="Brame">{{cite book | last = Brame | first = GG |author2=Brame WD |author3=Jacobs J | title = Different Loving: An Exploration of the World of Sexual Dominance and Submission | publisher = [[Random House|Random House of Canada]] | year = 1996 | pages = [https://books.google.com/books?id=yA-P9ucEbYgC&pg=PA137 137–40] | isbn = 978-0-679-76956-9}}</ref><ref name="pate" /> [[baby talk]], or [[BDSM]] power dynamics involving [[Sadomasochism|masochism]], coercion, punishment or humiliation.<ref name="Brame" /> |
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== Clarification == |
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Paraphilic infantilism is not to be confused with certain medical conditions of arrested physical development, which are typically referred to in the medical field "physiological infantilism." For the sake of clarity, in the remainder of this article, the word "infantilism" will be used to refer to what is technically called "paraphilic infantilism." |
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Paraphilic infantilism is often associated with [[diaper fetishism]], a separate but related kink or form of expression in which people derive pleasure or [[Ecstasy_(emotion)|ecstasy]] from themselves or others wearing or using [[diaper]]s, without necessarily involving any form of [[ageplay]].<ref name="Kise">{{Cite journal | last1 = Kise | first1 = K. | last2 = Nguyen | first2 = M. | title = Adult Baby Syndrome and Gender Identity Disorder | doi = 10.1007/s10508-011-9783-8 | journal = [[Archives of Sexual Behavior]]| year = 2011 | pmid = 21618045| volume = 40| issue = 5| pages = 857–859 | s2cid = 207090093 }}</ref> People with a diaper fetish are often informally called "diaper lovers", or "DLs". In practice, these strict labels do not always reflect the true diversity of expression. As such, when considered together, paraphilic infantilism and diaper fetishism form a spectrum of behaviors that are often colloquially referred to under the umbrella term "adult baby/diaper lover", or "'''AB/DL'''" (also spelled "ABDL").<ref>{{cite news | last = Watson | first = J | date = 2005-06-09 | url = http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2005-06-09/news/baby-man/ | title = Baby Man | work = [[Phoenix New Times]] | access-date = 2011-02-28 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110430181648/http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2005-06-09/news/baby-man/ | archive-date = 2011-04-30 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="taormino">{{cite news |last=Taormino |first=T |date=2002-08-13 |title=Still in Diapers |work=[[The Village Voice]] |url=http://www.villagevoice.com/2002-08-13/columns/still-in-diapers/ |url-status=live |access-date=2007-05-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920143752/http://www.villagevoice.com/2002-08-13/columns/still-in-diapers/ |archive-date=2008-09-20}}</ref><ref name="sciencedirect.com">{{cite journal |last1=Zamboni |first1=Brian D. |title=Characteristics of Subgroups in the Adult Baby/Diaper Lover Community |journal=The Journal of Sexual Medicine |date=1 November 2017 |volume=14 |issue=11 |pages=1421–1429 |doi=10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.09.006 |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1743609517314182 |language=en |issn=1743-6095}}</ref> |
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=== Infantilism in young children === |
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Infantile regression is sometimes noted in young children, and is often associated with their exposure to stressful environmental conditions. This is usually under the idea of returning to a time when things were simpler, and the child did not worry, or have cause to worry. Such regression is usually temporary, as the parents and child will have time to sort out his or her feelings before they set. In older children, the duration tends to be longer, and sometimes becomes a chronic condition that lasts throughout their life. |
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Like other sexual fetishes ([[paraphilia]]s), there is no single recognized psychological [[etiology|origin]] for paraphilic infantilism and very little research has been done on the subject. A variety of theories have been proposed for fetish development, including unique [[lovemap]]s, [[Imprinting (psychology)#Sexual imprinting|imprinting]] or [[erotic target location error|altered erotic targets]], though there is no scientific consensus. Though it varies from person to person, paraphilic infantilism may sometimes be linked to [[sadomasochism|masochism]], [[urolagnia]], [[Clothing fetish|garment fetishes]] or other consensual [[Kink (sexuality)|kinks]]. |
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=== Conscious vs Subconscious === |
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Such irrational fantasies are almost always seated deep in the subconscious mind, which by definition does not always operate on the level of common conscious rationality. As such, any attempt to successfully modify this behavior pattern must by definition be capable of correctly interpreting the subconscious needs of the individual and of somehow meeting these needs in more rational ways. |
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==Characteristics and practices== |
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=== A common object of fixation === |
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Perhaps the most common object of fixation amongst infantilists is the diaper. Most infantilists feel drawn to wear and/or use diapers. The frequency of wearing and/or use ranges from once a year to continuously, varying from individual to individual, and often varying within the same individual from year to year. |
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Paraphilic infantilists (usually colloquially called "adult babies" or "ABs") are people who derive sexual pleasure and/or emotional comfort from imagining themselves as, and pretending to be, children.{{sfn|Money|1986|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=OpkY2Fqwx_UC&pg=PA70 70]}}<ref name="holmes" /> It is a specific form of [[ageplay]] and, more broadly, [[Sexual roleplay|sexual role-play]], that can be practiced alone or with consenting adult partners. As a [[paraphilia]] (a [[Sexual fetishism|fetish]] or [[Kink (sexuality)|kink]]), paraphilic infantilism may represent an atypical sexual interest but is not usually associated with any psychological disorder or poor mental health, and adult baby play can be considered a conscious and valid act of sexual expression.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013 |title=Paraphilic Disorders |url=https://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Psychiatrists/Practice/DSM/APA_DSM-5-Paraphilic-Disorders.pdf |website=American Psychiatric Association}}</ref> In addition, some people participate in adult baby play purely for the positive feeling and emotional comfort associated with childhood and being cared for; to what degree (if at all) eroticism plays a role depends heavily on the participants and context. |
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== Some infantilist lifestyles == |
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Infantilists usually combine the submission of the baby role with the [[fetish]] of [[diaper|diapers]], though not all infantilists practice [[coprophilia]] or [[urolagnia]]. DLs, for example, enjoy wearing diapers without taking the role of an infant, while ABs often prefer such roleplay. Where dominance and submission are involved, the [[top (BDSM)|top]] or [[dominant (BDSM)|dominant]] plays the role of a parent, caretaker, nursemaid, or babysitter. Some infantilists are also [[furries]], and are generally referred to as [http://furry.wikicities.com/wiki/Babyfur Babyfurs]. |
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Whether performed solo or with others, one large part of paraphilic infantilism is dressing in childish clothes ([[diaper]]s, [[Onesie (jumpsuit)|onesies]], [[bodysuit]]s, [[overalls]] or shortalls, [[Romper suit|rompers]], [[plastic pants]], and other clothing with cute patterns, bright colors and child-like design elements) and adorning oneself with childish accessories ([[pacifier]]s, [[baby bottle]]s, [[Stuffed toy|stuffed animals]], [[toy]]s, [[sticker]]s or [[Tattoo|temporary tattoos]], [[Nursery (room)|nursery]]-style furniture, etc.). As such, depending on the person it may or may not be associated with a variety of garment and object fetishes, like [[diaper fetishism]].<ref>{{cite book | last = Baumeister | first = RF | year = 1989 | title = Masochism and Self | publisher = Lawrence Erlbaum Associates | page = 159 | isbn = 978-0-8058-0486-7}}</ref><ref name="Cantor">{{cite book|chapter=Sexual Disorders | author = Cantor J | author-link = James Cantor |author2=Blanchard R |author2-link=Ray Blanchard |author3=Barbaree H | title = Oxford Textbook of Psychopathology|editor=Blaney PH & Millon T | edition = 2nd | year = 2009 | location = New York & Oxford|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|isbn=978-0-19-537421-6|pages=[https://books.google.com/books?id=5bAPxqDyFxUC&pg=PA530 530–7]}}</ref> |
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Some forms of infantilism are purely regressive, without any sexual content. After an individual has reached full maturity, including a fully independent living situation, as well as stabilized in his or her long term sexual role in society, most infantilists report having incorporated certain aspects of sexuality into their infantilism. Though some infantilists have reported not doing so, most adult infantilists agree that their practice of infantilism has had a profound effect on their sexuality, if not having been a direct part of it. |
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Another large part of adult baby expression is behaving like a child or engaging in childish activities. This may include crawling or sitting on the floor and playing with toys or games,<ref name="Cantor" /> drawing in [[coloring book]]s, consuming food or drinks associated with childhood ([[juicebox]]es, [[chicken nugget]]s, [[Gummy candy|gummy candies]], etc.), [[breastfeeding]], using ("[[Urination|wetting]]" or "[[Defecation|messing]]") diapers or other clothes and being changed,<ref name="Speaker" /><ref name="holmes" /><ref name="Cantor" /> reading or watching children's entertainment, taking [[nap]]s or [[Hug|cuddling]] (with partners or stuffed toys), engaging in [[baby talk]], etc.<ref name="Cantor" />{{sfn|Money|1986|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=OpkY2Fqwx_UC&pg=PA70 70]}}<ref name="holmes" /> |
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=== Some infantilists' experiments with "adoption" === |
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Some infantilists have a fantasy or goal of finding a "mommy" or "daddy" to keep them as babies 24/7, or for the rest of their lives. Such "adoptions" are normally facilitated through the Internet on websites which function much like dating sites. There are message/notice boards with a header and/or a picture and message text describing the person. "Adoption" in the ABDL community does not usually mean singles searching for one another, but can include this. Other less common advertisements feature couples or groups looking for an AB, or an AB looking for either of the two, or other ABs. These types of living situations sometimes develop into lasting friendships and, in addition to infantilism, usually include all of the regular dynamics found in other types of interpersonal relationship. |
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When engaging in paraphilic infantilism with [[sexual partner|partners]], various dynamics are possible and participants may take up a variety of different roles, including one or more participants acting as "littles" (adult babies), while others may function as "caregivers" (or "CGs") or "switches" (people whose role may change during or between scenes). This relatively common dynamic is generally referred to as "caregiver/little", or "CG/L". After [[Consent in BDSM|consent]], rules and play roles are established, the interaction between the little and their partner(s) can take on different forms depending on the desires of the people involved and the nature of the scene. During more nurturing scenes, the little may be cared for or comforted by their caregiver (for example, being cuddled, fed, having their diapers changed, etc.){{sfn|Money|1986|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=OpkY2Fqwx_UC&pg=PA70 70]}} In this case, the adult baby may want only gentle or comforting treatment, based on the desire to be cared for or to "surrender the responsibilities of adult life".<ref name="Ditmore" /> In other types scenes, the presence of [[BDSM]] dynamics might involve being talked down to, being denied adult treatment, activities or facilities (for example, toileting restrictions), as well as scolded, [[Spanking|spanked]] or chastised for misbehaving, acting out, having wet or dirtied their diapers, etc. In this latter instance the mode of arousal is at least partially masochistic.{{sfn|Money|1986|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=OpkY2Fqwx_UC&pg=PA70 70]}} The people involved in the role-play may prefer one type of scene over another, or might enjoy taking part in different types of scenes. |
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These types of living situations that attempt to create a 24/7 permanent regression generally last anywhere from a few weeks to two or three years. To date, no cases have been reliably reported of such arrangements lasting longer than this period. (Some fictional cases have been claimed, but these have never stood up to further investigation.) Eventually this type of an arrangement seems to prove to be too much of a financial drain on the "caregiver(s)" and the novelty of it wears off for both the caregiver(s) and the infantilist. Other living arrangements are then made, possibly including a continuation but with a reduction of the periods of regression. On occasion, enactments of this fantasy have received wide publicity and press. |
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Adult baby play may also involve [[masturbation]]<ref name="Cantor" /><ref name="Ditmore">{{cite book | last = Ditmore | first = MH | title = Encyclopedia of prostitution and sex work, Volume 1 | isbn = 978-0-313-32968-5 | publisher = [[Greenwood Publishing Group]] | year = 2006 | pages = [https://books.google.com/books?id=fcYq72qYRTcC&pg=PA238 238] }}</ref> or [[sexual intercourse]] between consenting adult partners. However, some may choose not to engage in conventional sexual activities (either because it detracts from their ability to role-play being in a baby-like state, or because their interest in paraphilic infantilism is non-sexual and motivated by feelings of comfort or being cared for).{{sfn|Stekel|1952|pp=143–144}} Like many other fetishes, the erotic pleasure derived solely from paraphilic infantilism may partially or completely replace the need for conventional sex in reaching [[orgasm]], though it depends on the individual and their level of sexual interest.{{sfn|Money|1986|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=OpkY2Fqwx_UC&pg=PA70 70]}} |
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=== Older infantilists' reaching of equilibrium === |
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The majority of adult infantilists, after some time, usually reach a state of some type of equilibrium with their infantilist practice. In the majority of cases, this entails job stability, and usually a living situation that is some sort of a compromise between infantilism and normality. |
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==Prevalence== |
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== The psychology of infantilism == |
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Meaningful information on the [[incidence (epidemiology)|incidence]] or [[prevalence]] of any paraphilias is lacking due to the private (and often taboo) nature of such practices.<ref name = Cantor/> Similarly, it has been observed that adult baby play is often a [[closeted]] activity and it is not yet well documented in medical literature.<ref name="pate"/><ref name=Mednet2002>{{cite web|last=Pretlow |first=Robert A |title=The internet can reveal previously unknown causes of medical conditions, such as attraction to diapers as a cause of enuresis and incontinence |publisher=Mednet |year=2002 |url=http://www.mednet2002.org/abstracts/display.cfm?id=166472151 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060217215747/http://www.mednet2002.org/abstracts/display.cfm?id=166472151 |archive-date=2006-02-17 }}</ref> |
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In one study of AB/DL website participants, 93% of the sample was male (assigned male at birth, excluding transgender individuals). 58% of the men and 34% of the women were heterosexual. Males on average first became interested in AB/DL at age 11, and started practicing it at the age of 13, compared to the ages of 12 and 16 for females, respectively. The most frequent activities were wearing diapers, wetting, and using other baby items. 87% of the men and 91% of the women reported that their AB/DL had not caused any significant problems or distress.<ref name="hawkinson">{{cite journal | author = Hawkinson, K., & Zamboni, B. D. | year = 2014 | title = Adult Baby/Diaper Lovers: An Exploratory Study of an Online Community Sample | journal = Archives of Sexual Behavior | volume = 43 | issue = 5 | pages = 863–877 | doi=10.1007/s10508-013-0241-7 | pmid=24473941| s2cid = 41206700 }}</ref> |
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=== Psychological perspectives on infantilism === |
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It also reported that 9% of [[Yahoo! Groups|Yahoo]] groups devoted to "fetishes" dealt with paraphilic infantilism, which was high in relation to other fetishes.<ref name="Hawkinson 863–877">{{Cite journal|last1=Hawkinson|first1=Kaitlyn|last2=Zamboni|first2=Brian D.|date=2014-07-01|title=Adult Baby/Diaper Lovers: An Exploratory Study of an Online Community Sample|journal=Archives of Sexual Behavior|language=en|volume=43|issue=5|pages=863–877|doi=10.1007/s10508-013-0241-7|issn=0004-0002|pmid=24473941|s2cid=41206700}}</ref> If exceptional behaviors do not cause functional impairment, personal distress or distress to others, or have legal implications they can escape the purview of psychiatric awareness and knowledge.<ref name="pate" /> Additionally, infantilists may not consider themselves as suffering from a medical condition and may not want to change their behavior, a common occurrence among individuals with [[paraphilia]]s.<ref name="pate">{{Cite journal |
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In adult [[psychology]] and sexuality, infantilism is usually regarded as a type of [[sexual roleplaying]] and is often viewed as a variation of [[BDSM]]. In this variation, the person takes on one or more aspects of the role of a [[baby]]. It is a subset of [[ageplay]] and often regarded as [[edgeplay]]. In the context of fetishism or BDSM, it is more properly referred to as [[ABDL]], and persons engaging in the practice as either adult babies or [[Diaper Lover]]s. |
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| last1 = Pate |
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| first1 = JE |
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| last2 = Gabbard |
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| first2 = GO |
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| title = Adult baby syndrome |
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| journal = The American Journal of Psychiatry |
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| volume = 160 |
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| issue = 11 |
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| pages = 1932–6 |
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| year = 2003 |
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| pmid = 14594737 |
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| url = http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/160/11/1932 |
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| doi = 10.1176/appi.ajp.160.11.1932 |
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| access-date = 2006-03-07 |
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| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090606024733/http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/160/11/1932 |
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| archive-date = 2009-06-06 |
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| url-status = live |
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}}</ref>{{sfn|Stekel|1952|pp=143–144}} Individuals with paraphilic infantilism may seek therapy only for other issues, or be encouraged or coerced to seek treatment pertaining directly to the paraphilia itself if discovered by others.<ref name="Pandita">{{Cite journal |
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| last1 = Pandita-Gunawardena |
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| first1 = R |
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| title = Paraphilic infantilism. A rare case of fetishistic behaviour |
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| journal = The British Journal of Psychiatry |
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| volume = 157 |
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| issue = 5 |
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| pages = 767–70 |
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| year = 1990 |
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| pmid = 2279218 |
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| doi=10.1192/bjp.157.5.767 |
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| s2cid = 32175263 |
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}}</ref> Given these issues the potential of anonymous internet surveys for data collection on infantilist communities has been noted.<ref name="Mednet2002" /> |
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The same study, however, noted that males became interested in paraphilic infantilism earlier than females, at age 11 rather than 12, and also began to act on their interests earlier, at 13 rather than 16. It also found that while most males interested in paraphilic infantilism were primarily heterosexual (58%), most females were primarily bisexual (43%). 34% of women were primarily heterosexual. Although both men and women varied in terms of education, only 66% of men and 39% of women earned more than $25,000 a year.<ref name="Hawkinson 863–877"/> |
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=== Some commonly experienced inner dynamics === |
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==Relation to other behaviors== |
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==== The binge-purge cycle phenomenon ==== |
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Infantilism is a diffuse phenomenon and different authorities have taken varied approaches to the question of its medical and sexological classification.{{Vague|reason=What this sentence is specifically saying and why it's relevant to this section is unclear.|date=May 2023}} |
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One interesting aspect of this tension that many infantilists have experienced, usually during the earlier stages of their infantilism, is the binge-purge cycle. Quite often, an infantilist who has only recently begun to discover his or her infantilist desire, will find him or herself going through cycles of buying several infantilist things, using some of them, then taking a vow to one's self never to repeat this. The person then bravely disposes of all of his or her paraphernalia, only to find that after a certain period of ever increasing inner tension the individual once again goes online or to the store and buys all of these things back again, at significant duplicated expense. This sad cycle has been known to happen to some individuals 10, twenty or even thirty times. Eventually it dawns in the individual's mind that demonstrating one's physical ability to dispose of all of one's paraphernalia will in no way result in creating one's mental ability to rid one's self of the desires. |
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=== Diaper fetishism === |
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==== A fantasy of permanent regression ==== |
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{{Main|Diaper fetishism}} |
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During the early stages of infantilism, many infantilists report having the fantasy that somehow they might be able to achieve a living situation in which ‘permanent regression’ would be possible. In other words, the fantasy that somehow they could find others who would be willing to provide them with all of the physical necessities of life, in addition to treating them as a baby, for the rest of their lives. Clearly, this fantasy is impractical at first consideration, and ultimately irrational. In the vast majority of cases, after some deliberation, the impractical nature of this fantasy is eventually recognized and accepted by an infantilist, and some more practical means of finding some sort of a working compromise in one’s lifestyle is eventually found. In some extreme cases, this impractical fantasy is pursued to some extent. (See [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infantilism#Some_Infantilist_Lifestyles Some Infantilist Lifestyles] above). |
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Strictly speaking, people with a [[Diaper fetishism|diaper fetish]] are aroused by the idea of wearing [[diaper]]s as an adult, and may not participate in any form of ageplay.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Malitz |first1=S |year=1966 |title=Another report on the wearing of diapers and rubber pants by an adult male |journal=The American Journal of Psychiatry |volume=122 |issue=12 |pages=1435–7 |doi=10.1176/ajp.122.12.1435 |pmid=5929499}}</ref> Practically speaking, there can be a great deal of variation and overlap between paraphilic infantilists and diaper fetishists, and the term "AB/DL" can be used as a catch-all term which includes a broad spectrum of related kinks and behaviors.<ref name="taormino" /> As diapers are a commonly used a prop for "adult baby" role-play, diaper fetishism may be considered a potential component of paraphilic infantilism.<ref name="sciencedirect.com"/> |
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John Money distinguished between paraphilic infantilism (or autonepiophilia) and paraphilic diaper-wearing, stating that the latter is a paraphilic fetish that manifests as an erotic attraction to an article of clothing while the former is a non-fetishistic paraphilia directed at a change of status in terms of age identity.{{sfn|Money|1986|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=OpkY2Fqwx_UC&pg=PA96 96]}} |
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==== A conscious vs: subconscious tension ==== |
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Amongst infantilists, the attitude that an infantilist may take towards his or her infantilistic desires often varies considerably from individual to individual. Many life-long infantilists report no longer having any qualms whatsoever about integrating their regressive roleplay into the larger set of behaviors that defines their overall lifestyle. Others report a persistent tension or conflict between their desire to regress, and their desire to be ‘normal’. Some report feeling this persistent tension for the entirety of their lives on through to retirement and old age. Very few report ever being able to succeed in completely alleviating the desire for any meaningful length of time. |
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===BDSM=== |
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==== A release of stress and tension (similar to the release of sexual tension) ==== |
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{{main|BDSM}} |
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Most infantilists report experiencing a great release of emotional stress and tension when they assume the infantilist role, as well as feelings of great inner security and contentment. These feelings are nearly identical to those feelings reported by most as a result of engaging in normal sexual relations. These feelings may harken back to feelings experienced during infancy or early childhood. |
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{{See also|Sadomasochism}} |
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In some cases, paraphilic infantilism can involve elements of BDSM. For example, the pseudo-forced used of childish clothing and/or diapers as a way of establishing a power dynamic of [[dominance and submission]], as well as for scenes involving punishment and humiliation. |
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The ''[[Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders]]'' (''DSM'') states that along with other behaviors, [[sadomasochism|sexual masochists]] "...may have a desire to be treated as a helpless infant and clothed in diapers ('infantilism')"<ref name="DSM572">{{cite book|last=American Psychiatric Association|title=Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision|publisher=American Psychiatric Association|location=Washington DC|year=2000|isbn=978-0-89042-024-9|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=3SQrtpnHb9MC&pg=572 572]}}</ref> and this association is repeated by others.<ref>{{cite book|last=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins|title=Professional Guide to Diseases|publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins|isbn=978-0-7817-7899-2|year=2009|edition=9th|editor=Catherine Harold| page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=1h6vu60L6FcC&pg=PA1341 1341]}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=FR-9qNW-JA4C&pg=PT719 719]|last1=Kring|first1=Ann|last2=Johnson|first2=Sheri|last3=Davison|first3=Gerald C.|last4=Neale|first4=John M.|title=Abnormal Psychology|year=2009|publisher=John Wiley and Sons|isbn=978-0-470-57712-7|edition=11th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Becker|first1= Judith V.|last2= Stinson|first2= Jill D. |year=2008|chapter=Human sexuality and sexual dysfunctions|editor = Robert E. Hales, Stuart C. Yudofsky & Glen O. Gabbard| title= The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry|publisher= American Psychiatric Publishing|pages=[https://books.google.com/books?id=tvCFFkOyKHoC&pg=PT738 738]|isbn= 978-1-58562-257-3|edition=5th|location=Arlington VA}}</ref> Masochism appears to be particularly important for female infantilists.<ref name="hawkinson" /> |
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==== An eventual development of some form of acceptance ==== |
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The experience of the Binge-Purge Cycle is somewhat similar to what many homosexuals have reported, after the initial discovery of their sexual orientations. In both cases, after a certain period of some inner conflict, most eventually learn to accept these subconscious traits in one way or another, rather than to attempt, unsuccessfully, to root them out. After some time, most infantilists eventually reach a certain type of a '''practical compromise''' in their lives, that enables them to both live a relatively normal life, while still indulging their infantilistic desires to a certain extent. |
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Psychologists D. Richard Laws and [[William O'Donohue]] state that "Although infantilism is classified as a sexual masochism in the ''DSM-IV'' and ''DSM-IV-TR'', it is questionable whether the criteria for sexual masochism are always met. For example, if the infantile role playing does not involve feelings of humiliation and suffering, then the diagnosis of sexual masochism would not be appropriate and a diagnosis of infantilism as a paraphilia [not otherwise specified] is warranted."<ref>{{cite book|last1=Laws|first1=D. Richard|last2=O'Donohue|first2=William T.|title=Sexual Deviance: Theory, Assessment, Treatment|publisher=Guilford Press|year=2008| pages = [https://books.google.com/books?id=yIXG9FuqbaIC&pg=PA407 407] | isbn = 978-1-59385-605-2}}</ref> [[Sexology|Sexologist]] [[John Money]], in his book ''[[Lovemap]]s'' describes paraphilic infantilism as a possible "...adjunctive to masochistic discipline and humiliation."{{sfn|Money|1986|p = [https://books.google.com/books?id=OpkY2Fqwx_UC&pg=PA259 259]}} Sexologist William B. Arndt considers paraphilic infantilism to combine forms of fetishism, transvestism and masochism.<ref name = Arndt>{{cite book|last=Arndt|first=William B.|title=Gender Disorders and Paraphilias|publisher=International Universities Press|year=1991|isbn=978-0-8236-2150-7 | page = 394}}</ref> Wilhelm Stekel considered sado-masochistic practices to be variant behavior arising from psychosexual infantilism.<ref>{{cite book|last=Dailey|first=Dennis M.|title=The Sexually Unusual: A Guide to Understanding and Helping|year=1989| pages = [https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=rrzfTYSPs3oC&oi=fnd&pg=PA44 44] |isbn=978-0-86656-786-2}}</ref> |
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=== Infantilism and gender identity === |
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One unusual aspect of infantilism is the disproportionate number of male infantilists vs: female infantilists. Based upon what is known of those infantilists who are willing to discuss their infantilism with others, many estimates of the ratio run from 95% to 99% of all infantilists being male. On the other hand, some believe that the apparent male majority may in reality be much smaller, due to a tendency amongst females to be less likely to openly discuss the fetish. |
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A potential connection between paraphilic infantilism and sadomasochism has been noted in the Polish publication, Przegląd Seksuologiczny. Research results within the publication indicated that 28% of those paraphilic infantilists surveyed reported an interest in [[BDSM]].<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Wojciech|first1=Oronowicz|title=AB/DL group. Close relationships and sexuality|journal=Przegląd Seksuologiczny|volume=3|issue=47|pages=10–17|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311807353}}</ref> |
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While no definitive studies have yet been made regarding the incidence of true homosexuality or bisexuality amongst infantilists, this incidence is believed in all probability to be approximately the same as, or slightly higher than, this incidence in the general population, at roughly 5% to 10%, depending on the definition. Accordingly, the great majority of infantilists are believed to be heterosexual males. |
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=== Cross-dressing === |
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==== Infantilism and gender switch roleplaying ==== |
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{{Main|Cross-dressing}} |
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A significant minority of male ABs like to switch gender as a part of their regressive roleplay. This type of gender-switch-roleplaying shares some similarities with [[transvestism]]. As with transvestism, the gender role that an AB (boy or girl) assumes while roleplaying seldom affects the gender identity of that same individual outside of roleplaying. Another role that is sometimes assumed by some ABs while engaged in regressive roleplaying is that of the [[homosexuality|homosexual]] or [[bisexuality|bisexual]]. There is some confusion as to whether or not this indicates that the individual is indeed a bisexual or homosexual person. As with other types of regressive-gender-switch-roleplaying, |
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Some adult babies may also engage in [[cross-dressing]] by wearing clothes which are stereotypically associated with the opposite gender. This subset of the AB community is typically made up of males dressing in "feminine" styles of clothing. (This specific behavior is often referred to as being a "sissy baby".){{Citation needed|date=August 2023}} |
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the majority of these individuals usually do not exhibit any significant homosexual or bisexual behavior patterns while outside of regressive roleplaying. |
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People who are attracted to masochistic forms of infantilism may participate in [[pinaforing|forcible cross-dressing]].<ref name="taormino" /><ref name="Marx">{{cite book |last=Marx |first=E |title=101 Things You Didn't Know about Sex |publisher=Adams Media |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-60550-106-2 |pages=[https://books.google.com/books?id=cVn0xVD9h3QC&pg=PA145 145]}}</ref> |
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==== Sissy babies ==== |
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Some AB's who engage in regressive-gender-switch-roleplaying like to be referred to simply as a ''girl baby'' or a ''boy baby'', others prefer to be called ''sissy babies''. Various types of shaming, punishment, discipline, and crossdressing often accompany regressive-gender-switch-roleplaying. |
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=== Pedophilia === |
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{{main|Pedophilia}} |
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Even more rare, some ABs wish to have [[sex reassignment surgery]], or to be [[castrated]]. Although this wish exists only as a fantasy for most of those who have the wish, for a few it has been made a reality. Those few who have had sex reassignment surgery or been castrated usually fall into one or more of the following three categories. |
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Paraphilic infantilism is {{Em|not}} to be confused or conflated with pedophilia, as "adult babies" (adults who engage in paraphilic infantilism) are only {{Em|participating in sexual role-play, either by themselves or with consenting adult partners}}.<ref name = Arndt/><ref name = Tiefenwerth>{{cite book|last=Tiefenwerth|first=Thomas J.|title= Criminal Sexuality and Psychopathology: Pornography as a Contributory Risk Factor in the Psycho-Social Development of Violent Sex Offenders |year=2007|isbn=978-0-549-14928-6 | page = 111 }}</ref> People with this fetish are not attracted to children and do not seek them as sexual partners, and paraphilic infantilism is not related to pedophilia or any form of [[child sexual abuse]].<ref name = holmes>{{cite book|last1=Holmes|first1=Ronald M.|last2=Holmes|first2=Stephen T.|title=Sex Crimes: Patterns and Behavior | publisher = [[SAGE Publications]] | year = 2008 | isbn = 978-1-4129-5298-9 | pages = [https://books.google.com/books?id=_zqOsZSZxYQC&pg=PA81 81]}}</ref> To that point, sexologist [[Gloria Brame]] states that "...infantilists who recognize and accept their sexuality - and its possible roots in infantile trauma - tend to be acutely protective of real children."<ref name = Brame/> |
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1. They hope to live out their lives as a woman/baby girl in reality. |
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In 1993, sexologists [[Ray Blanchard]] and [[Kurt Freund]] published and discussed a series of [[case study|case studies]] involving paraphilic infantilists<ref name = Cantor/> and noted a distinction between them and pedophiles. Pedophiles are sexually attracted to children and desire for a child sexual partner. In contrast, paraphilic infantilists ''merely imagine and [[Ageplay|role-play themselves as a child]]'' (usually by adopting the objects and mannerisms of childhood) to increase the [[BDSM|power difference]] between themselves and their preferred adult sexual partners with whom they acted out masochistic fantasies.<ref name = Freund>{{Cite journal |
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2. They hope the SRS/castration surgery will enhance the experience of being a sissy baby, and/ or of being more submissive. |
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| last1 = Freund K |
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| last2 = Blanchard R |
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| title = Erotic target location errors in male gender dysphorics, paedophiles, and fetishists |
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| journal = [[The British Journal of Psychiatry]] |
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| volume = 162 |
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| issue = 4 |
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| pages = 558–563 |
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| year = 1993 |
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| pmid = 8481752 |
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| doi=10.1192/bjp.162.4.558 |
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| s2cid = 24239209 |
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| author2-link = Ray Blanchard |
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}}</ref> |
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== Psychological significance == |
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3. They hope to rid themselves of the practice of infantilism entirely, which has not yet been found to work. |
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Research on the [[etiology]] of paraphilias in general is minimal and as of 2008 had essentially come to a standstill; it is not clear whether the development of paraphilic infantilism shares a common cause with other paraphilias.<ref>{{cite book | last = Rowland | first = DL |author2=Incrocci L | year = 2008 | pages = [https://books.google.com/books?id=RBgSDZCZAzEC&pg=PA522 522] | isbn = 978-0-470-25721-0 | publisher = [[John Wiley & Sons]] | title = Handbook of Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders }}</ref> A 2003 case report by psychiatrists Jennifer Pate and Glen Goddard found little research on the topic.<ref name = "pate"/> |
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To date no broad-based scientific studies have been made on the cause, incidence and general impact of paraphilic infantilism on society at large. This may be due to both the rarity of the practice and because few paraphilic infantilists appear to seek professional mental health counseling pertaining directly to the paraphilia.<ref name="pate" />{{sfn | Stekel | 1952 | pp=143–144 }} A mental health evaluation of an 80 year old paraphillic infantilist whose paraphilia may have been related to a head injury at the age of six concluded that treatment was unwarranted.<ref name = Pandita/> |
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=== Academic researchers and case study submissions invited === |
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Unfortunately, the majority of the information in this section is necessarily anecdotal. This is due to the fact that to date there have not yet been any major scholarly academic studies made of the phenomenon of infantilism. Some of the authors of this page would like to facilitate such work, and to assist in potential collaboration between academic researchers in this area, and/or infantilists. If any academic researcher might be interested, a list of other academic researchers, and numerous contacts within the infantilist communities can be made available upon suitable request by emailing to [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Emailuser&target=OrbitOne OrbitOne: wikipedia-email]. Also, if any psychologist or psychiatrist may have anything to add or to alter about this information, or might have any relevant case studies, any such information would be most gratefully accepted and incorporated into this article at the same email addresses above. (Naturally, direct editing by any such professionals would also always be most gratefully welcomed.) |
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Criminologists Stephen and Ronald Holmes believe that while there is no simple answer to the origins of infantilism, the practices may involve an element of stress reduction similar to that of transvestism. These criminologists state that this paraphilia is not inherently a crime in and of itself, and specifically differ it from child sex abuse.<ref name="holmes" /> |
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== Impact and ramifications == |
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Infantilism is found in all age groups. Most adult infantilists practice infantilism with great discretion. However, in some extremely rare cases, some AB's have made attempts to enter semi-permanently or even permanently into the regressive role. One cannot help but to question the practical feasibility of such an attempt. In the vast majority of individuals, the practice of infantilism is carried out only in strict privacy, and in ways that do not conflict with the individual's ability to earn a normal livelihood. As with most alternate life-styles there appears to be an infinite number of variations in the specific ways that infantilists may choose to practice infantilism. Many have managed to practice it while marrying, raising a family, and leading successful careers. Others have been less fortunate and have found divorce, and other types of social stigma to result. |
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An online survey conducted in 2020 indicates that "adults with ABDL showed the presence of anxious traits and recollections of parental rejection during childhood."<ref>{{Cite journal |title=An Exploratory Study of Adult Baby-Diaper Lovers' Characteristics in an Italian Online Sample |date=2020 |pmc=7068517 |last1=Lasala |first1=A. |last2=Paparo |first2=F. |last3=Senese |first3=V. P. |last4=Perrella |first4=R. |journal=International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health |volume=17 |issue=4 |page=1371 |doi=10.3390/ijerph17041371 |pmid=32093315 |doi-access=free }}</ref> |
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===Lovemap theory=== |
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== Subsets based on age, (TBs and ABs) == |
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John Money developed the theory of a [[lovemap]], <blockquote> |
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Teenaged infantilists, or [[Teen Babies]], usually remain segregated from adult infantilists. Infantilism practitioners usually divide themselves between ''teen babies'' (or '''TBs'''), who begin to practice infantilism between the ages of twelve to twenty, and ''adult babies'' (or '''ABs'''), who either begin to or continue to practice infantilism at higher ages. For legal reasons adults are limited from discussing sexual aspects with minors, and online communities therefore seek to separate them. Both enjoy shedding the hardships of life and regressing to an earlier time. This can include wearing and using diapers, using baby paraphernalia (such as pacifiers, bibs, bottles, rattles and toys), and being taken care of by someone else. Another allied phenomenon is the [[Daddy's Girl fetish]] lifestyle. |
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"a developmental representation or template in the mind and in the brain depicting the idealized lover and the idealized program of sexual and erotic activity projected in imagery or actually engaged in". |
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</blockquote> |
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Money thought that the lovemap was normally fully developed by the age of 8, serving as a kind of sexual template through to the end of one's adult life.{{sfn|Money|1986|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=OpkY2Fqwx_UC&pg=PA290 290]}} Money believed all paraphilias were caused by the formation of abnormal lovemaps during the preadolescent years and that such abnormal lovemaps can be formed by any number of contributing factors or stressors during this developmental period.{{sfn|Money|1986|p = [https://books.google.com/books?id=OpkY2Fqwx_UC&pg=PA34 34]}} Money also coined the term "autonepiophilia" meaning a "diaperism" or diaper fetishism in 1984 to describe the condition.<ref name = Money84>{{Cite journal |
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== Subsets based on importance of ageplay, (DLs and ABs) == |
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| last1 = Money | first1 = J. |
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Diaper wearing is a sexual fetish for many adults that does not always incorporate the desire to regress in any other way. In such cases, those adults who enjoy wearing diapers, without sensing any desire to regress in any other way, often prefer to be referred to as Diaper Lovers ('''DLs'''). In fact, some who employ diapers only for the occasional purpose of sexual gratification, find themselves to be quite surprised when being classified together with others who are far more involved with them. Some Diaper Lovers even feel offended should any connection between themselves and infantilism be implied by others. Others voice less concern over such a distinction. |
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| author-link = John Money |
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| title = Paraphilias: Phenomenology and classification |
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| journal = American Journal of Psychotherapy |
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| volume = 38 |
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| issue = 2 |
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| pages = 164–179 |
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| year = 1984 |
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| pmid = 6234812 |
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| doi = 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.1984.38.2.164 |
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}}</ref> ''Nepon'' is Greek for infant.{{sfn|Money|1986|p=70}}<ref>{{cite book|last=Money|first=John|author-link = John Money|title=The Destroying Angel: Sex, Fitness and Food in the Legacy of Degeneracy Theory, Graham Crackers, Kellogg's Corn Flakes and American Health History|publisher= [[Prometheus Books]] |year=1985|isbn=978-0-87975-277-4|page=147}}</ref> |
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===Imprinting theory=== |
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Those who, in their practice of infantilism, incorporate strong elements of the desire to otherwise regress, through various forms of role playing, often like to refer to themselves as Adult Babies ('''ABs'''), as opposed to Diaper Lovers. |
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It has been hypothesized that, among other possible causes, sexual templates are established by a process akin to [[imprinting (psychology)|imprinting]] where lack of availability of female genitals during a critical period of development causes the imprinting mechanism to instead associate with the nearest [[Visual perception|visual]] or [[Olfaction|olfactory]] approximation. In the case of infantilism, the discipline of the mother or wearing diapers may create associations between pain, humiliation and sexuality.<ref>{{cite book|last=Wilson|first=Glen Daniel|title=Variant Sexuality: Research and Theory|publisher=Taylor and Francis|year=1987|isbn=978-0-7099-3698-5|pages = [https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=_NUOAAAAQAAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA107 107–11]}}</ref> |
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Similarly, authors Zack Cernovsky and Yves Bureau hypothesize that erotic fixation to diapers may parallel a study conducted by [[Harry Harlow]] in which he deprived infant monkeys of their natural mothers and gave them an artificial mother made of wire and another made of cloth; the monkeys were more likely to spend more time with the mothers made of cloth.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Cernovsky |first1=Zack |last2=Bureau |first2=Yves |date=2016-11-23 |title=Lady with Erotic Preference for Diapers |journal=Mental Illness |volume=8 |issue=2 |pages=6687 |doi=10.4081/mi.2016.6687 |issn=2036-7457 |pmc=5136749 |pmid=27994834}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Harlow's Classic Studies Revealed the Importance of Maternal Contact |url=https://www.psychologicalscience.org/publications/observer/obsonline/harlows-classic-studies-revealed-the-importance-of-maternal-contact.html |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=Association for Psychological Science - APS |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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Undoubtedly, infantilism does not present us with any black and white definitions, rather, it presents us with a seemingly infinite spectrum of various forms of behaviors. |
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===Erotic location target error theory=== |
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== Infantilism and Christianity == |
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An additional theory is that infantilism is an erotic identity disorder where the erotic fantasy is centered on the self rather than on a sexual partner and results from an [[erotic target location error|erotic targeting location error]] where the erotic target was children yet becomes inverted. According to this model, proposed by Ray Blanchard and Kurt Freund in 1993, infantilism is a sexual attraction to the idea of the self being a child.<ref name=Cantor/> However, this theory has also been criticized for being a "slippery slope" which "[[Medicalization|pathologizes]] nonstandard sexual expression".<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Lawrence |first1=Anne A. |title=Erotic Target Location Errors are Easy to Mischaracterize: A Reply to Moser |journal=Journal of Sex Research |date=24 September 2009 |volume=46 |issue=5 |pages=385–386 |doi=10.1080/00224490903230061}}</ref> |
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Biblically speaking, there are no clear-cut or direct references found within the Christian Bible to infantilism. However, within the Old Testament, there are numerous references to ritual purity that some Christians believe should be applied to infantilism. Due to the fact that there is an entire spectrum of varying beliefs and denominations within Christianity, and also due to the fact that there is no clear-cut reference to infantilism within the Bible, there is no one single view of infantilism that is held by most of those who consider themselves to be Christians, or even by any majority of those who consider themselves to be Christians. |
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===Psychodynamic regression theories=== |
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Amongst the more conservative fundamentalist denominations, many have adopted the same views towards infantilism that they have adopted towards homosexuality, namely a view of the condemnation of the practice. Amongst more liberal Christian denominations, greater toleration seems to generally be practiced. This greater toleration towards infantilism by the more liberal denominations is also similar to the positions taken by these same denominations towards homosexuality. |
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In psychoanalytic theory, Regression (German: Regression) is a defense mechanism involving the reversion of the ego to an earlier stage of psychosexual development, as a reaction to an overwhelming external problem or internal conflict.<ref>{{Cite web |title=APA Dictionary of Psychology |url=https://dictionary.apa.org/ |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=dictionary.apa.org |language=en}}</ref> A study published in 2019 stated a correlation between childhood maltreatment and paraphilic infatilism and related fetishes. The regression theories in the psychodynamic area hypothesise that during sexual activities, individuals may subconsciously regress to an early state of childhood for comfort and pleasure, with some masochistic elements attached to the same <ref>{{Cite journal |last=Fuss |first=Johannes |last2=Jais |first2=Laura |last3=Grey |first3=B. Terrance |last4=Guczka |first4=Sascha R. |last5=Briken |first5=Peer |last6=Biedermann |first6=Sarah V. |date=2019-11-17 |title=Self-Reported Childhood Maltreatment and Erotic Target Identity Inversions Among Men with Paraphilic Infantilism |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0092623X.2019.1623355 |journal=Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy |language=en |volume=45 |issue=8 |pages=781–795 |doi=10.1080/0092623X.2019.1623355 |issn=0092-623X}}</ref> |
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The parallels between positions taken towards homosexuality and towards infantilism by various Christian denominations are somewhat unexpected, as many clear-cut condemnations of homosexuality can be found in the Bible, yet none can be found regarding infantilism. |
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===Others=== |
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== Infantilism and privacy == |
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In the limited number of extant medical case reports some clinicians have attempted to explain the behaviors associated with infantilism in terms of [[obsessive compulsive disorder]],<ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Croarkin | first1 = Paul | last2 = Nam | first2 = Theodore | last3 = Waldrep | first3 = Douglas|title= Comment on Adult Baby Syndrome (letter to the editor)|journal=American Journal of Psychiatry | volume = 161 | issue = 11 | year = 2004 | page = 2141 | doi = 10.1176/appi.ajp.161.11.2141-a|pmid=15514436}}</ref> as "a concurrent cluster of symptoms found in a variety of psychiatric disorders."<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Evcimen|first1=Harun| last2= Gratz| first2=Silvia|title=Adult Baby Syndrome (letter to the editor)|journal=Archives of Sexual Behavior | volume = 35 | issue = 2 |pages=115–6| doi=10.1007/s10508-005-9002-6|pmid=16752115|year=2006|s2cid=1818254}}</ref> [[Psychiatry|Psychiatrist]] Jay Feierman considers infantilism a form of [[chronophilia]] in which the infantilist desires a sexual partner of the same biological age, but their own "sexuoerotic age" does not match his or her own biological age (i.e. the adult infantilist wishes an adult sexual partner who treats them as a baby).<ref>{{cite book|last=Feierman|first=Jay R.|title=Pedophilia: biosocial dimensions|publisher=Springer-Verlag|year=1990|isbn=978-0-387-97243-5 | page = 455}}</ref> A 2011 [[letter to the editor]] in the ''[[Archives of Sexual Behavior]]'' reviewed several case studies and noted a common history of sexual abuse.<ref name="Kise"/> |
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==History== |
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=== Infantilism and privacy for adult infantilists === |
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The first public event for adult babies was "Baby Week", occurring in [[San Francisco]] in the early 1990s. Subsequently, the internet became a major forum, with numerous websites offering books, magazines, audio and video tapes and related [[paraphernalia]], as well as a 24-hour hotline. Paraphilic infantilism has appeared as an [[alternative lifestyle]] in numerous [[Western culture|Western]] countries including the [[United States]], [[England]], [[Germany]] and [[Australia]].<ref>{{cite journal |last= Kaufman | first = F |year= 1997 |title= Our Binkies, Our Selves: The adult baby boom |journal= [[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |volume= 13|issue= 7|pages= [https://books.google.com/books?id=G-86CzNjg9cC&pg=PA55 55] | issn = 0886-3032 }}</ref> |
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For some individuals, it is difficult to discuss one’s private desires with most others, especially when such desires are as uncommon as infantilism. For adult infantilists who have ‘significant others’, the policy of honesty would seem to be the best policy. This is especially true due to the fact that there are certain areas of overlap between infantilism and sexual intimacy in general, and to attempt to separate these two is not only somewhat dishonest to one’s partner, but also to one’s self. This is not to say that one's partner should necessarily be required to hear about all of the details. Only to say that one's partner ought to know that he or she has access to as much information as he or she wants to know, or is comfortable knowing, regarding the practice. |
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The organization "Diaper Pail Friends" was established in San Francisco, growing to approximately 3,000 members in 1995 through magazine articles, books, talk shows and the Internet. The organization was studied in 1995 by a group of sexologists, though the results were not published.<ref>{{cite book |editor1= Noonan R | pages = 1248–9 | url = http://www.iub.edu/~kinsey/ccies/pdf/ccies-unitedstates-part2.pdf | title = The Continuum Complete International Encyclopedia of Sexuality | isbn = 978-0-8264-1488-5 | publisher = The Continuum International Publishing Group Inc. | year = 2004 | access-date = 2011-08-31 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120405142329/http://www.iub.edu/~kinsey/ccies/pdf/ccies-unitedstates-part2.pdf | archive-date = 2012-04-05 | url-status = dead }}</ref> In 2001, the [[New York City|New York]] organization "Still in Diapers" was founded for diaper fetishists.<ref name="taormino"/> In 2008, the Diaper Pail Friends had expanded to a national organization and claimed a membership of 15,000.<ref name = holmes/> |
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In many cases it has been reported that the children of infantilists, being as naturally inquisitive and nosey as children are, eventually find out about the fact that one of their parents occasionally wears diapers. In such cases, it may be wise to allow the child to know only as much as he or she needs to know, in other words, explaining something like ‘Yes, daddy does have a certain ‘condition’ that makes him have to wear diapers,’ but explaining no more, should the question ever arise. To expose a child to any more than this, is believed to have potentially harmful ramifications for the child, and may even be regarded by some as a form of willful neglect or even abuse of a child. |
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In 2016, Tykables opened the first wholly dedicated paraphilic infantilism physical retail store in [[Mount Prospect, Illinois]], with controversy from the local community.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rice |first=Mae |url=http://chicagoist.com/2016/06/09/some_adults_have_to_wear.php |title=Store Aimed At Adult Babies, Tykables, Opens In Mount Prospect |publisher=Chicagoist |date=2016-06-09 |access-date=2017-07-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612080113/http://chicagoist.com/2016/06/09/some_adults_have_to_wear.php |archive-date=2016-06-12 }}</ref> The store owner believes it helps to break the stigma about the community.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/tykables-adult-baby-storefront_us_58d127f7e4b0be71dcf7e9ba|title=Inside The Misunderstood World Of Adult Baby Diaper Lovers|first=Noah|last=Michelson|date=21 March 2017|newspaper=Huffington Post|access-date=6 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306164827/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/tykables-adult-baby-storefront_us_58d127f7e4b0be71dcf7e9ba|archive-date=6 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Some couples that incorporate infantilism into their relationship deliberately choose not to have children, in consideration of their view that they may not be capable of providing an environment for a child where the child could develop 'normally'. Others report successfully raising their children without their children ever being affected by, or knowing, the full extent of their practice of it. |
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===Historical terminology and definitions=== |
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Within the infantilist community there are many who believe that as with homosexuality, it is best to ‘out’ infantilism, or to bring infantilist individuals 'out' into public scrutiny so that the public can be made more aware of infantilism (and eventually more tolerant of it). These people are an increasing majority within the infantilist community. |
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The original definition of "''infantilism''" meant the persistence of childlike traits in adults and, medically, the failure of an adult to attain sexual maturity.<ref>{{cite web |title=Infantilism |url=http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/infantilism |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927230525/http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/infantilism |archive-date=2011-09-27 |access-date=2011-08-24 |publisher=dictionary.com}}</ref> While "''sexual'' infantilism" has also been used medically as a synonym for [[delayed puberty]].<ref name="Hickey" /><ref>{{cite book |last=Greenspan |first=FS |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780071402972/page/617 |title=Basic & Clinical Endocrinology |author2=Gardner DG |year=2004 |isbn=978-0-07-140297-2 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780071402972/page/617 617–627] |chapter=Puberty|publisher=Lange Medical Books/McGraw-Hill }}</ref> |
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Similarly, the term "''psychosexual'' infantilism" was first used in [[Sigmund Freud]]'s theory of [[psychosexual development]] to refer to individuals who had not matured through his hypothesized stages.<ref name="Cantor" /> |
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Fortunately, due to the existence of the Internet, many infantilists have found that they can retain a sufficient level of privacy, while still discussing certain aspects of the practice with other infantilists in various internet forums and bulletin boards. See related links below for more information on this. |
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[[Psychologist]] [[Wilhelm Stekel]] later used the term "psychosexual infantilism" as a category (similar to how [[paraphilia]] is used today), which would have included paraphilic infantilism{{sfn|Stekel|1952|pp=143–144}} and other fetishes, as well as sexual orientations.{{sfn|Stekel|1952|p=vii}} |
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=== Infantilism and care for privacy concerns of the general public === |
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Amongst infantilists, it is estimated that approximately 60% - 70% of all adult infantilists have made a conscious decision to practice infantilism only in the ‘full privacy’ of their own house or apartment, and they seem to consistently follow this policy. Amongst the remaining 30% - 40% there are varying levels of ‘reduced privacy’ that may be chosen. Reasons for ‘reduced privacy’ vary. A desire for self humiliation is often a component of such a practice. A certain desire to annoy, disturb or disgust others is also sometimes a component of this practice. Such behaviors, particularly the conscious decision to intentionally degrade the quality of life of those around one, are highly controversial. |
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John Money used the term "nepiophilia" to describe attraction to diaper-wearing babies. He described infantilism as "autonepiophilia," in which the individual desires to be and to impersonate a baby and does not desire an infant as a sexual partner.<ref>{{cite book |last=Money |first=John |title=Principles of Developmental Sexology |publisher=[[Continuum International Publishing Group]] |year=1997 |isbn=978-0-8264-1026-9 |page=255 |author-link=John Money}}</ref> |
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Some who practice ‘reduced privacy’ will explain to anyone who might inquire that they have a ‘medical’ problem, and take it no further. Those who go no further than this generally seem to cause little or no difficulties for those around them. |
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In 2003, Dr. Jennifer Pate and Dr. Glen Gabbard, coined the term "adult baby ''syndrome''" (inspired by an episode of the medical television drama [[ER (TV series)|ER]]) to describe an extreme case of infantilism,<ref name="pate" /> which may have been on the level of what is currently considered a "paraphilic ''disorder''" as defined by the [[DSM-5]]. |
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On the more extreme end of this scale there are those who will intentionally expose their diapers to others, or even semi-intentionally create situations in which they are 'caught' by others in various compromised circumstances regarding their diapers. |
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Today, the term "''paraphilic infantilism''" can be considered the official psychological term for the fetish, while the term "''adult baby''" is used colloquially. Another term, "''AB/DL''" (also written "ABDL"), is commonly used as a broad, non-specific, and inclusive [[shorthand]] for the wider community of people with "adult baby" fetish, [[Diaper fetishism|diaper fetish]], or various other associated interests. The exact origins of the nicknames "adult baby" and "AB/DL" are difficult to determine, but there is evidence to suggest that these names have been in kink community for decades.{{Citation needed|date=August 2023}} |
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While such behavior may bring a certain sense of satisfaction to some, one cannot deny the fact that such behavior amounts to gratuitously causing and delighting in the stress and/ or difficulties of others. The taking of such adverse pleasure in the difficulties of others may possibly be regarded as a variant form of [[sadism]] forced upon the public at large. Some infantilists who have been known to take these sorts of games too far have on occasion been arrested by the police. |
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== See also == |
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Infantilists who have shown a reckless disregard for the public have been known to cause financial harm to restaurants and their employees, to store owners, and the list goes on and on. Undoubtedly, at certain points in the early lives of many infantilists, such stress and difficulty may have been forced upon them, but this does not justify repeating such behavior at the expense of even more additional innocent victims. For any infantilist who (for whatever reason) should choose the path of ‘reduced privacy’, the motto ''''do no harm'''' is perhaps the best guideline. By this it is meant, do not do anything that could be construed as gratuitously delighting in the distress or difficulties of others. |
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{{Portal|Human sexuality}} |
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* [[Sexual roleplay]] |
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* [[Ageplay]] |
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* [[BDSM]] |
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* [[Diaper fetishism]] |
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* [[Erotic lactation]] |
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==Notes== |
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=== Health problems === |
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{{Reflist|2}} |
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ABs and DLs are sometimes known to deliberately seek, or incidentally undergo, loss of bowel control or [[urinary incontinence]]. While they may accept these conditions willingly and not consider them health problems, there are associated risks. The loss of bowel control can lead to infections in the area or third party infections inflicted onto a partner or bystanders. In urinary and bowel loss, diaper rash can be a common ailment. This also can reduce privacy as diapers are needed in public as well. |
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==References== |
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== Some interpersonal relationships that incorporate infantilism == |
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* {{cite book | last = Money | first = J | author-link = John Money | year = 1986 | title = Love Maps - Clinical Concepts of Sexual/Erotic Health and Pathology, Paraphilia, and Gender Transposition in Childhood, Adolescence, and Maturity | publisher = [[Prometheus Books]] | location = New York | isbn = 978-0-8290-1589-8 }} |
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Many interpersonal relationships that incorporate infantilism are between friends that have this common interest. Some infantilists form long lasting interpersonal relationships with a (professional) nanny who accepts payment to take care of the infantilist for an agreed period of time. Some have then even reported that such a nanny has eventually become the long term Significant Other of the infantilist. Another common type of interpersonal relationship that incorporates infantilism is the standard husband and wife marital relationship. |
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* {{cite book | last = Stekel | first = W | author-link = Wilhelm Stekel | year = 1952 | title = Patterns of Psychosexual Infantilism | publisher = Washington Square Press | isbn = 978-0-87140-840-2 }} |
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==Further reading== |
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Other possible combinations are the ‘wife’ and ‘wife’ relationship which usually incorporates homosexuality, the ‘husband’ and ‘husband’ relationship which also usually incorporates homosexuality, or various threesome relationships where one may play the infantilist role more than the other two. |
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* {{cite book | last = Love | first = B | year = 1992 | title = Encyclopedia of Unusual Sex Practices | publisher = Barricade Books | isbn = 978-0-942637-64-9}} |
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Generally, amongst younger adult infantilists, the most common type of interpersonal relationship that incorporates infantilism seems to be between two or more infantilists. Amongst older adult infantilists, the most common type of relationship that incorporates infantilism seems to be some form of a marital relationship. |
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== The significant others (SOs) of infantilists == |
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Many infantilists report having found very nurturing and caring partners, who have supported them and continue to support them in varying ways. In the case of marriage, some spouses participate in role playing, others do not. The nature of the initial informing about, or discovery of, the existence infantilism often sets the tone for the remainder of the relationship. As in all things, honesty, both on the part of the infantilist, and on the part of the significant other regarding his or her initial feelings and/ or reactions, is always the best policy, even though such honesty may not always be easy. |
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== See also == |
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* [[Sexual fetishism]] |
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* [[Paraphilia]] |
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* [[Fetishes (documentary)]] |
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* [[Sissy Baby]] |
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* [[Diaper Lover]] |
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{{Paraphilia}} |
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== External links == |
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*[http://understanding.infantilism.org/ Understanding.Infantilism.org] |
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*[http://furry.wikicities.com/wiki/Babyfur Wikifur - Babyfur] |
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*[http://www.toddlertime.com/dx/regression/infantilism.htm What is True Infantilism?] |
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*[http://www.newab.org/ newab.org] |
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*[http://www.tbdl.org TBDL.org] |
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*[http://www.aby.com/ ABY.com] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Paraphilias|infantilism]] |
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[[Category:Sexual fetishism]] |
[[Category:Sexual fetishism]] |
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[[Category:Sexuality and age]] |
[[Category:Sexuality and age]] |
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[[Category:ABDL]] |
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[[ |
[[fr:Autonepiophilie]] |
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[[de:Infantilismus]] |
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[[nl:Infantilisme]] |
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Latest revision as of 11:16, 29 March 2024
Paraphilic infantilism, also known as autonepiophilia[1] and adult baby,[2] is a sexual fetish or non-sexual fetish that may involve role-playing a regression to an infant-like state.[3][4] Paraphilic infantilism is a form of ageplay. People who practice paraphilic infantilism are often colloquially referred to (by themselves and others) as "adult babies", or "ABs".
Behaviors may include things such as wearing childish clothes, wearing or using diapers, cuddling with stuffed animals, drinking from a bottle or sucking on a pacifier,[2][4][5] and (when done with others) engaging in gentle and nurturing experiences,[6][7] baby talk, or BDSM power dynamics involving masochism, coercion, punishment or humiliation.[6]
Paraphilic infantilism is often associated with diaper fetishism, a separate but related kink or form of expression in which people derive pleasure or ecstasy from themselves or others wearing or using diapers, without necessarily involving any form of ageplay.[8] People with a diaper fetish are often informally called "diaper lovers", or "DLs". In practice, these strict labels do not always reflect the true diversity of expression. As such, when considered together, paraphilic infantilism and diaper fetishism form a spectrum of behaviors that are often colloquially referred to under the umbrella term "adult baby/diaper lover", or "AB/DL" (also spelled "ABDL").[9][10][11]
Like other sexual fetishes (paraphilias), there is no single recognized psychological origin for paraphilic infantilism and very little research has been done on the subject. A variety of theories have been proposed for fetish development, including unique lovemaps, imprinting or altered erotic targets, though there is no scientific consensus. Though it varies from person to person, paraphilic infantilism may sometimes be linked to masochism, urolagnia, garment fetishes or other consensual kinks.
Characteristics and practices[edit]
Paraphilic infantilists (usually colloquially called "adult babies" or "ABs") are people who derive sexual pleasure and/or emotional comfort from imagining themselves as, and pretending to be, children.[5][12] It is a specific form of ageplay and, more broadly, sexual role-play, that can be practiced alone or with consenting adult partners. As a paraphilia (a fetish or kink), paraphilic infantilism may represent an atypical sexual interest but is not usually associated with any psychological disorder or poor mental health, and adult baby play can be considered a conscious and valid act of sexual expression.[13] In addition, some people participate in adult baby play purely for the positive feeling and emotional comfort associated with childhood and being cared for; to what degree (if at all) eroticism plays a role depends heavily on the participants and context.
Whether performed solo or with others, one large part of paraphilic infantilism is dressing in childish clothes (diapers, onesies, bodysuits, overalls or shortalls, rompers, plastic pants, and other clothing with cute patterns, bright colors and child-like design elements) and adorning oneself with childish accessories (pacifiers, baby bottles, stuffed animals, toys, stickers or temporary tattoos, nursery-style furniture, etc.). As such, depending on the person it may or may not be associated with a variety of garment and object fetishes, like diaper fetishism.[14][15]
Another large part of adult baby expression is behaving like a child or engaging in childish activities. This may include crawling or sitting on the floor and playing with toys or games,[15] drawing in coloring books, consuming food or drinks associated with childhood (juiceboxes, chicken nuggets, gummy candies, etc.), breastfeeding, using ("wetting" or "messing") diapers or other clothes and being changed,[4][12][15] reading or watching children's entertainment, taking naps or cuddling (with partners or stuffed toys), engaging in baby talk, etc.[15][5][12]
When engaging in paraphilic infantilism with partners, various dynamics are possible and participants may take up a variety of different roles, including one or more participants acting as "littles" (adult babies), while others may function as "caregivers" (or "CGs") or "switches" (people whose role may change during or between scenes). This relatively common dynamic is generally referred to as "caregiver/little", or "CG/L". After consent, rules and play roles are established, the interaction between the little and their partner(s) can take on different forms depending on the desires of the people involved and the nature of the scene. During more nurturing scenes, the little may be cared for or comforted by their caregiver (for example, being cuddled, fed, having their diapers changed, etc.)[5] In this case, the adult baby may want only gentle or comforting treatment, based on the desire to be cared for or to "surrender the responsibilities of adult life".[16] In other types scenes, the presence of BDSM dynamics might involve being talked down to, being denied adult treatment, activities or facilities (for example, toileting restrictions), as well as scolded, spanked or chastised for misbehaving, acting out, having wet or dirtied their diapers, etc. In this latter instance the mode of arousal is at least partially masochistic.[5] The people involved in the role-play may prefer one type of scene over another, or might enjoy taking part in different types of scenes.
Adult baby play may also involve masturbation[15][16] or sexual intercourse between consenting adult partners. However, some may choose not to engage in conventional sexual activities (either because it detracts from their ability to role-play being in a baby-like state, or because their interest in paraphilic infantilism is non-sexual and motivated by feelings of comfort or being cared for).[17] Like many other fetishes, the erotic pleasure derived solely from paraphilic infantilism may partially or completely replace the need for conventional sex in reaching orgasm, though it depends on the individual and their level of sexual interest.[5]
Prevalence[edit]
Meaningful information on the incidence or prevalence of any paraphilias is lacking due to the private (and often taboo) nature of such practices.[15] Similarly, it has been observed that adult baby play is often a closeted activity and it is not yet well documented in medical literature.[7][18]
In one study of AB/DL website participants, 93% of the sample was male (assigned male at birth, excluding transgender individuals). 58% of the men and 34% of the women were heterosexual. Males on average first became interested in AB/DL at age 11, and started practicing it at the age of 13, compared to the ages of 12 and 16 for females, respectively. The most frequent activities were wearing diapers, wetting, and using other baby items. 87% of the men and 91% of the women reported that their AB/DL had not caused any significant problems or distress.[19]
It also reported that 9% of Yahoo groups devoted to "fetishes" dealt with paraphilic infantilism, which was high in relation to other fetishes.[20] If exceptional behaviors do not cause functional impairment, personal distress or distress to others, or have legal implications they can escape the purview of psychiatric awareness and knowledge.[7] Additionally, infantilists may not consider themselves as suffering from a medical condition and may not want to change their behavior, a common occurrence among individuals with paraphilias.[7][17] Individuals with paraphilic infantilism may seek therapy only for other issues, or be encouraged or coerced to seek treatment pertaining directly to the paraphilia itself if discovered by others.[21] Given these issues the potential of anonymous internet surveys for data collection on infantilist communities has been noted.[18]
The same study, however, noted that males became interested in paraphilic infantilism earlier than females, at age 11 rather than 12, and also began to act on their interests earlier, at 13 rather than 16. It also found that while most males interested in paraphilic infantilism were primarily heterosexual (58%), most females were primarily bisexual (43%). 34% of women were primarily heterosexual. Although both men and women varied in terms of education, only 66% of men and 39% of women earned more than $25,000 a year.[20]
Relation to other behaviors[edit]
Infantilism is a diffuse phenomenon and different authorities have taken varied approaches to the question of its medical and sexological classification.[vague]
Diaper fetishism[edit]
Strictly speaking, people with a diaper fetish are aroused by the idea of wearing diapers as an adult, and may not participate in any form of ageplay.[22] Practically speaking, there can be a great deal of variation and overlap between paraphilic infantilists and diaper fetishists, and the term "AB/DL" can be used as a catch-all term which includes a broad spectrum of related kinks and behaviors.[10] As diapers are a commonly used a prop for "adult baby" role-play, diaper fetishism may be considered a potential component of paraphilic infantilism.[11]
John Money distinguished between paraphilic infantilism (or autonepiophilia) and paraphilic diaper-wearing, stating that the latter is a paraphilic fetish that manifests as an erotic attraction to an article of clothing while the former is a non-fetishistic paraphilia directed at a change of status in terms of age identity.[23]
BDSM[edit]
In some cases, paraphilic infantilism can involve elements of BDSM. For example, the pseudo-forced used of childish clothing and/or diapers as a way of establishing a power dynamic of dominance and submission, as well as for scenes involving punishment and humiliation.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) states that along with other behaviors, sexual masochists "...may have a desire to be treated as a helpless infant and clothed in diapers ('infantilism')"[24] and this association is repeated by others.[25][26][27] Masochism appears to be particularly important for female infantilists.[19]
Psychologists D. Richard Laws and William O'Donohue state that "Although infantilism is classified as a sexual masochism in the DSM-IV and DSM-IV-TR, it is questionable whether the criteria for sexual masochism are always met. For example, if the infantile role playing does not involve feelings of humiliation and suffering, then the diagnosis of sexual masochism would not be appropriate and a diagnosis of infantilism as a paraphilia [not otherwise specified] is warranted."[28] Sexologist John Money, in his book Lovemaps describes paraphilic infantilism as a possible "...adjunctive to masochistic discipline and humiliation."[29] Sexologist William B. Arndt considers paraphilic infantilism to combine forms of fetishism, transvestism and masochism.[30] Wilhelm Stekel considered sado-masochistic practices to be variant behavior arising from psychosexual infantilism.[31]
A potential connection between paraphilic infantilism and sadomasochism has been noted in the Polish publication, Przegląd Seksuologiczny. Research results within the publication indicated that 28% of those paraphilic infantilists surveyed reported an interest in BDSM.[32]
Cross-dressing[edit]
Some adult babies may also engage in cross-dressing by wearing clothes which are stereotypically associated with the opposite gender. This subset of the AB community is typically made up of males dressing in "feminine" styles of clothing. (This specific behavior is often referred to as being a "sissy baby".)[citation needed]
People who are attracted to masochistic forms of infantilism may participate in forcible cross-dressing.[10][33]
Pedophilia[edit]
Paraphilic infantilism is not to be confused or conflated with pedophilia, as "adult babies" (adults who engage in paraphilic infantilism) are only participating in sexual role-play, either by themselves or with consenting adult partners.[30][34] People with this fetish are not attracted to children and do not seek them as sexual partners, and paraphilic infantilism is not related to pedophilia or any form of child sexual abuse.[12] To that point, sexologist Gloria Brame states that "...infantilists who recognize and accept their sexuality - and its possible roots in infantile trauma - tend to be acutely protective of real children."[6]
In 1993, sexologists Ray Blanchard and Kurt Freund published and discussed a series of case studies involving paraphilic infantilists[15] and noted a distinction between them and pedophiles. Pedophiles are sexually attracted to children and desire for a child sexual partner. In contrast, paraphilic infantilists merely imagine and role-play themselves as a child (usually by adopting the objects and mannerisms of childhood) to increase the power difference between themselves and their preferred adult sexual partners with whom they acted out masochistic fantasies.[35]
Psychological significance[edit]
Research on the etiology of paraphilias in general is minimal and as of 2008 had essentially come to a standstill; it is not clear whether the development of paraphilic infantilism shares a common cause with other paraphilias.[36] A 2003 case report by psychiatrists Jennifer Pate and Glen Goddard found little research on the topic.[7]
To date no broad-based scientific studies have been made on the cause, incidence and general impact of paraphilic infantilism on society at large. This may be due to both the rarity of the practice and because few paraphilic infantilists appear to seek professional mental health counseling pertaining directly to the paraphilia.[7][17] A mental health evaluation of an 80 year old paraphillic infantilist whose paraphilia may have been related to a head injury at the age of six concluded that treatment was unwarranted.[21]
Criminologists Stephen and Ronald Holmes believe that while there is no simple answer to the origins of infantilism, the practices may involve an element of stress reduction similar to that of transvestism. These criminologists state that this paraphilia is not inherently a crime in and of itself, and specifically differ it from child sex abuse.[12]
An online survey conducted in 2020 indicates that "adults with ABDL showed the presence of anxious traits and recollections of parental rejection during childhood."[37]
Lovemap theory[edit]
John Money developed the theory of a lovemap,
"a developmental representation or template in the mind and in the brain depicting the idealized lover and the idealized program of sexual and erotic activity projected in imagery or actually engaged in".
Money thought that the lovemap was normally fully developed by the age of 8, serving as a kind of sexual template through to the end of one's adult life.[38] Money believed all paraphilias were caused by the formation of abnormal lovemaps during the preadolescent years and that such abnormal lovemaps can be formed by any number of contributing factors or stressors during this developmental period.[39] Money also coined the term "autonepiophilia" meaning a "diaperism" or diaper fetishism in 1984 to describe the condition.[40] Nepon is Greek for infant.[41][42]
Imprinting theory[edit]
It has been hypothesized that, among other possible causes, sexual templates are established by a process akin to imprinting where lack of availability of female genitals during a critical period of development causes the imprinting mechanism to instead associate with the nearest visual or olfactory approximation. In the case of infantilism, the discipline of the mother or wearing diapers may create associations between pain, humiliation and sexuality.[43]
Similarly, authors Zack Cernovsky and Yves Bureau hypothesize that erotic fixation to diapers may parallel a study conducted by Harry Harlow in which he deprived infant monkeys of their natural mothers and gave them an artificial mother made of wire and another made of cloth; the monkeys were more likely to spend more time with the mothers made of cloth.[44][45]
Erotic location target error theory[edit]
An additional theory is that infantilism is an erotic identity disorder where the erotic fantasy is centered on the self rather than on a sexual partner and results from an erotic targeting location error where the erotic target was children yet becomes inverted. According to this model, proposed by Ray Blanchard and Kurt Freund in 1993, infantilism is a sexual attraction to the idea of the self being a child.[15] However, this theory has also been criticized for being a "slippery slope" which "pathologizes nonstandard sexual expression".[46]
Psychodynamic regression theories[edit]
In psychoanalytic theory, Regression (German: Regression) is a defense mechanism involving the reversion of the ego to an earlier stage of psychosexual development, as a reaction to an overwhelming external problem or internal conflict.[47] A study published in 2019 stated a correlation between childhood maltreatment and paraphilic infatilism and related fetishes. The regression theories in the psychodynamic area hypothesise that during sexual activities, individuals may subconsciously regress to an early state of childhood for comfort and pleasure, with some masochistic elements attached to the same [48]
Others[edit]
In the limited number of extant medical case reports some clinicians have attempted to explain the behaviors associated with infantilism in terms of obsessive compulsive disorder,[49] as "a concurrent cluster of symptoms found in a variety of psychiatric disorders."[50] Psychiatrist Jay Feierman considers infantilism a form of chronophilia in which the infantilist desires a sexual partner of the same biological age, but their own "sexuoerotic age" does not match his or her own biological age (i.e. the adult infantilist wishes an adult sexual partner who treats them as a baby).[51] A 2011 letter to the editor in the Archives of Sexual Behavior reviewed several case studies and noted a common history of sexual abuse.[8]
History[edit]
The first public event for adult babies was "Baby Week", occurring in San Francisco in the early 1990s. Subsequently, the internet became a major forum, with numerous websites offering books, magazines, audio and video tapes and related paraphernalia, as well as a 24-hour hotline. Paraphilic infantilism has appeared as an alternative lifestyle in numerous Western countries including the United States, England, Germany and Australia.[52]
The organization "Diaper Pail Friends" was established in San Francisco, growing to approximately 3,000 members in 1995 through magazine articles, books, talk shows and the Internet. The organization was studied in 1995 by a group of sexologists, though the results were not published.[53] In 2001, the New York organization "Still in Diapers" was founded for diaper fetishists.[10] In 2008, the Diaper Pail Friends had expanded to a national organization and claimed a membership of 15,000.[12]
In 2016, Tykables opened the first wholly dedicated paraphilic infantilism physical retail store in Mount Prospect, Illinois, with controversy from the local community.[54] The store owner believes it helps to break the stigma about the community.[55]
Historical terminology and definitions[edit]
The original definition of "infantilism" meant the persistence of childlike traits in adults and, medically, the failure of an adult to attain sexual maturity.[56] While "sexual infantilism" has also been used medically as a synonym for delayed puberty.[3][57]
Similarly, the term "psychosexual infantilism" was first used in Sigmund Freud's theory of psychosexual development to refer to individuals who had not matured through his hypothesized stages.[15]
Psychologist Wilhelm Stekel later used the term "psychosexual infantilism" as a category (similar to how paraphilia is used today), which would have included paraphilic infantilism[17] and other fetishes, as well as sexual orientations.[58]
John Money used the term "nepiophilia" to describe attraction to diaper-wearing babies. He described infantilism as "autonepiophilia," in which the individual desires to be and to impersonate a baby and does not desire an infant as a sexual partner.[59]
In 2003, Dr. Jennifer Pate and Dr. Glen Gabbard, coined the term "adult baby syndrome" (inspired by an episode of the medical television drama ER) to describe an extreme case of infantilism,[7] which may have been on the level of what is currently considered a "paraphilic disorder" as defined by the DSM-5.
Today, the term "paraphilic infantilism" can be considered the official psychological term for the fetish, while the term "adult baby" is used colloquially. Another term, "AB/DL" (also written "ABDL"), is commonly used as a broad, non-specific, and inclusive shorthand for the wider community of people with "adult baby" fetish, diaper fetish, or various other associated interests. The exact origins of the nicknames "adult baby" and "AB/DL" are difficult to determine, but there is evidence to suggest that these names have been in kink community for decades.[citation needed]
See also[edit]
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Notes[edit]
- ^ Corsini, Raymond J. (2002). The Dictionary of Psychology. Psychology Press. ISBN 978-1-58391-328-4. Archived from the original on 2017-08-18. Retrieved 2016-02-21.
- ^ a b Russell, J (2008). Exploring Psychology for AS Level AQA 'A'. Folens Limited. pp. 200. ISBN 978-1-85008-258-3.
- ^ a b Hickey, Eric W. (2006). Sex Crimes and Paraphilia. Pearson Education. p. 355. ISBN 978-0-13-170350-6.
- ^ a b c Speaker, TJ, Psychosexual Infantilism in Adults: The Eroticization of Regression, Sausalito, CA: Columbia Pacific University, p. 93
- ^ a b c d e f Money 1986, p. 70.
- ^ a b c Brame, GG; Brame WD; Jacobs J (1996). Different Loving: An Exploration of the World of Sexual Dominance and Submission. Random House of Canada. pp. 137–40. ISBN 978-0-679-76956-9.
- ^ a b c d e f g Pate, JE; Gabbard, GO (2003). "Adult baby syndrome". The American Journal of Psychiatry. 160 (11): 1932–6. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.160.11.1932. PMID 14594737. Archived from the original on 2009-06-06. Retrieved 2006-03-07.
- ^ a b Kise, K.; Nguyen, M. (2011). "Adult Baby Syndrome and Gender Identity Disorder". Archives of Sexual Behavior. 40 (5): 857–859. doi:10.1007/s10508-011-9783-8. PMID 21618045. S2CID 207090093.
- ^ Watson, J (2005-06-09). "Baby Man". Phoenix New Times. Archived from the original on 2011-04-30. Retrieved 2011-02-28.
- ^ a b c d Taormino, T (2002-08-13). "Still in Diapers". The Village Voice. Archived from the original on 2008-09-20. Retrieved 2007-05-08.
- ^ a b Zamboni, Brian D. (1 November 2017). "Characteristics of Subgroups in the Adult Baby/Diaper Lover Community". The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 14 (11): 1421–1429. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.09.006. ISSN 1743-6095.
- ^ a b c d e f Holmes, Ronald M.; Holmes, Stephen T. (2008). Sex Crimes: Patterns and Behavior. SAGE Publications. pp. 81. ISBN 978-1-4129-5298-9.
- ^ "Paraphilic Disorders" (PDF). American Psychiatric Association. 2013.
- ^ Baumeister, RF (1989). Masochism and Self. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. p. 159. ISBN 978-0-8058-0486-7.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Cantor J; Blanchard R; Barbaree H (2009). "Sexual Disorders". In Blaney PH & Millon T (ed.). Oxford Textbook of Psychopathology (2nd ed.). New York & Oxford: Oxford University Press. pp. 530–7. ISBN 978-0-19-537421-6.
- ^ a b Ditmore, MH (2006). Encyclopedia of prostitution and sex work, Volume 1. Greenwood Publishing Group. pp. 238. ISBN 978-0-313-32968-5.
- ^ a b c d Stekel 1952, pp. 143–144.
- ^ a b Pretlow, Robert A (2002). "The internet can reveal previously unknown causes of medical conditions, such as attraction to diapers as a cause of enuresis and incontinence". Mednet. Archived from the original on 2006-02-17.
- ^ a b Hawkinson, K., & Zamboni, B. D. (2014). "Adult Baby/Diaper Lovers: An Exploratory Study of an Online Community Sample". Archives of Sexual Behavior. 43 (5): 863–877. doi:10.1007/s10508-013-0241-7. PMID 24473941. S2CID 41206700.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b Hawkinson, Kaitlyn; Zamboni, Brian D. (2014-07-01). "Adult Baby/Diaper Lovers: An Exploratory Study of an Online Community Sample". Archives of Sexual Behavior. 43 (5): 863–877. doi:10.1007/s10508-013-0241-7. ISSN 0004-0002. PMID 24473941. S2CID 41206700.
- ^ a b Pandita-Gunawardena, R (1990). "Paraphilic infantilism. A rare case of fetishistic behaviour". The British Journal of Psychiatry. 157 (5): 767–70. doi:10.1192/bjp.157.5.767. PMID 2279218. S2CID 32175263.
- ^ Malitz, S (1966). "Another report on the wearing of diapers and rubber pants by an adult male". The American Journal of Psychiatry. 122 (12): 1435–7. doi:10.1176/ajp.122.12.1435. PMID 5929499.
- ^ Money 1986, p. 96.
- ^ American Psychiatric Association (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington DC: American Psychiatric Association. p. 572. ISBN 978-0-89042-024-9.
- ^ Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (2009). Catherine Harold (ed.). Professional Guide to Diseases (9th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 1341. ISBN 978-0-7817-7899-2.
- ^ Kring, Ann; Johnson, Sheri; Davison, Gerald C.; Neale, John M. (2009). Abnormal Psychology (11th ed.). John Wiley and Sons. p. 719. ISBN 978-0-470-57712-7.
- ^ Becker, Judith V.; Stinson, Jill D. (2008). "Human sexuality and sexual dysfunctions". In Robert E. Hales, Stuart C. Yudofsky & Glen O. Gabbard (ed.). The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry (5th ed.). Arlington VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. pp. 738. ISBN 978-1-58562-257-3.
- ^ Laws, D. Richard; O'Donohue, William T. (2008). Sexual Deviance: Theory, Assessment, Treatment. Guilford Press. pp. 407. ISBN 978-1-59385-605-2.
- ^ Money 1986, p. 259.
- ^ a b Arndt, William B. (1991). Gender Disorders and Paraphilias. International Universities Press. p. 394. ISBN 978-0-8236-2150-7.
- ^ Dailey, Dennis M. (1989). The Sexually Unusual: A Guide to Understanding and Helping. pp. 44. ISBN 978-0-86656-786-2.
- ^ Wojciech, Oronowicz. "AB/DL group. Close relationships and sexuality". Przegląd Seksuologiczny. 3 (47): 10–17.
- ^ Marx, E (2009). 101 Things You Didn't Know about Sex. Adams Media. pp. 145. ISBN 978-1-60550-106-2.
- ^ Tiefenwerth, Thomas J. (2007). Criminal Sexuality and Psychopathology: Pornography as a Contributory Risk Factor in the Psycho-Social Development of Violent Sex Offenders. p. 111. ISBN 978-0-549-14928-6.
- ^ Freund K; Blanchard R (1993). "Erotic target location errors in male gender dysphorics, paedophiles, and fetishists". The British Journal of Psychiatry. 162 (4): 558–563. doi:10.1192/bjp.162.4.558. PMID 8481752. S2CID 24239209.
- ^ Rowland, DL; Incrocci L (2008). Handbook of Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders. John Wiley & Sons. pp. 522. ISBN 978-0-470-25721-0.
- ^ Lasala, A.; Paparo, F.; Senese, V. P.; Perrella, R. (2020). "An Exploratory Study of Adult Baby-Diaper Lovers' Characteristics in an Italian Online Sample". International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 17 (4): 1371. doi:10.3390/ijerph17041371. PMC 7068517. PMID 32093315.
- ^ Money 1986, p. 290.
- ^ Money 1986, p. 34.
- ^ Money, J. (1984). "Paraphilias: Phenomenology and classification". American Journal of Psychotherapy. 38 (2): 164–179. doi:10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.1984.38.2.164. PMID 6234812.
- ^ Money 1986, p. 70.
- ^ Money, John (1985). The Destroying Angel: Sex, Fitness and Food in the Legacy of Degeneracy Theory, Graham Crackers, Kellogg's Corn Flakes and American Health History. Prometheus Books. p. 147. ISBN 978-0-87975-277-4.
- ^ Wilson, Glen Daniel (1987). Variant Sexuality: Research and Theory. Taylor and Francis. pp. 107–11. ISBN 978-0-7099-3698-5.
- ^ Cernovsky, Zack; Bureau, Yves (2016-11-23). "Lady with Erotic Preference for Diapers". Mental Illness. 8 (2): 6687. doi:10.4081/mi.2016.6687. ISSN 2036-7457. PMC 5136749. PMID 27994834.
- ^ "Harlow's Classic Studies Revealed the Importance of Maternal Contact". Association for Psychological Science - APS. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
- ^ Lawrence, Anne A. (24 September 2009). "Erotic Target Location Errors are Easy to Mischaracterize: A Reply to Moser". Journal of Sex Research. 46 (5): 385–386. doi:10.1080/00224490903230061.
- ^ "APA Dictionary of Psychology". dictionary.apa.org. Retrieved 2023-11-24.
- ^ Fuss, Johannes; Jais, Laura; Grey, B. Terrance; Guczka, Sascha R.; Briken, Peer; Biedermann, Sarah V. (2019-11-17). "Self-Reported Childhood Maltreatment and Erotic Target Identity Inversions Among Men with Paraphilic Infantilism". Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. 45 (8): 781–795. doi:10.1080/0092623X.2019.1623355. ISSN 0092-623X.
- ^ Croarkin, Paul; Nam, Theodore; Waldrep, Douglas (2004). "Comment on Adult Baby Syndrome (letter to the editor)". American Journal of Psychiatry. 161 (11): 2141. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.161.11.2141-a. PMID 15514436.
- ^ Evcimen, Harun; Gratz, Silvia (2006). "Adult Baby Syndrome (letter to the editor)". Archives of Sexual Behavior. 35 (2): 115–6. doi:10.1007/s10508-005-9002-6. PMID 16752115. S2CID 1818254.
- ^ Feierman, Jay R. (1990). Pedophilia: biosocial dimensions. Springer-Verlag. p. 455. ISBN 978-0-387-97243-5.
- ^ Kaufman, F (1997). "Our Binkies, Our Selves: The adult baby boom". Spin. 13 (7): 55. ISSN 0886-3032.
- ^ Noonan R, ed. (2004). The Continuum Complete International Encyclopedia of Sexuality (PDF). The Continuum International Publishing Group Inc. pp. 1248–9. ISBN 978-0-8264-1488-5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-04-05. Retrieved 2011-08-31.
- ^ Rice, Mae (2016-06-09). "Store Aimed At Adult Babies, Tykables, Opens In Mount Prospect". Chicagoist. Archived from the original on 2016-06-12. Retrieved 2017-07-08.
- ^ Michelson, Noah (21 March 2017). "Inside The Misunderstood World Of Adult Baby Diaper Lovers". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on 6 March 2018. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
- ^ "Infantilism". dictionary.com. Archived from the original on 2011-09-27. Retrieved 2011-08-24.
- ^ Greenspan, FS; Gardner DG (2004). "Puberty". Basic & Clinical Endocrinology. Lange Medical Books/McGraw-Hill. pp. 617–627. ISBN 978-0-07-140297-2.
- ^ Stekel 1952, p. vii.
- ^ Money, John (1997). Principles of Developmental Sexology. Continuum International Publishing Group. p. 255. ISBN 978-0-8264-1026-9.
References[edit]
- Money, J (1986). Love Maps - Clinical Concepts of Sexual/Erotic Health and Pathology, Paraphilia, and Gender Transposition in Childhood, Adolescence, and Maturity. New York: Prometheus Books. ISBN 978-0-8290-1589-8.
- Stekel, W (1952). Patterns of Psychosexual Infantilism. Washington Square Press. ISBN 978-0-87140-840-2.
Further reading[edit]
- Love, B (1992). Encyclopedia of Unusual Sex Practices. Barricade Books. ISBN 978-0-942637-64-9.
