Exophilia

Exophilia is a term used in the field of psychology and sexology to describe a strong sexual preference or attraction towards extraterrestrial, robotic, supernatural, or otherwise non-human life forms. The term is derived from the Greek words "exo", meaning "outside" or "external", and "philia", meaning "love".

Definition and Classification

Exophilia falls under the broader category of paraphilia, a term used to describe unusual or atypical sexual interests. It is important to note that the term "unusual" does not necessarily imply pathology or disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, does not list exophilia as a specific disorder, but rather as a type of paraphilia not otherwise specified (PNOS).

Causes and Theories

The exact causes of exophilia, like many paraphilias, are not well understood. Some theories suggest that it may be related to early life experiences, while others propose that it may be influenced by certain biological factors. It is also possible that cultural and societal factors, such as the popularity of science fiction and fantasy media, may play a role in the development of this preference.

Treatment

Treatment for exophilia, like other paraphilias, is typically only considered necessary if the individual's sexual preferences cause significant distress or harm to themselves or others. Treatment options may include psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medication.

Societal and Cultural Aspects

Exophilia, like many other sexual preferences, can be a source of stigma and misunderstanding. However, with the increasing popularity of science fiction and fantasy media, as well as a growing acceptance of diverse sexual preferences, exophilia is becoming more recognized and understood.

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Exophilia often involves attraction to characters from science fiction or fantasy media.

See Also

• Paraphilia
• Sexology
• Psychology
• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders