EXHIBITIONISM
The act of revealing one's body,
usually the genital organ, is essentially similar to "peeping." A
certain amount of "showing off" is normal and not to be confused with
the exhibitionism of a mal- adjusted person. The maladjusted individual may be
attempting to reassure himself against fears of sexual inferiority or may be
expressing defiance toward a seemingly hostile world by trying to ·shock people
with his exhibitionism.
NARCISSISMOR SELF-LOVE
This is considerably different
from self- respect and from the satisfaction any normal person derives from
looking well. The term narcissism comes from the name of a Greek youth who,
according to myth, saw his own reflection. In a pond and became so enamored of
it that he fell in and was drowned while trying to embrace himself. Most
children go through a stage of being attracted to their own images in a mirror.
They may remark, "You're pretty," and even, "I love you."
People who do not outgrow this stage are often so basically inse- cure that
they feel no one else will ever love them. This preoccupation is often
accompanied by a preference for masturbation rather than sexual intercourse.
Such people are incapable of loving anyone else. They may marry for money to
spend on their true beloved ones-themselves.
NYMPHOMANIA AND SATYRISM
Nymphomania (excessive desire in a
woman for intercourse) and satyrism (excessive desire in a man) are rare. The
terms often are mistakenly applied to promiscuous or highly sexed people but
should be reserved for compulsive sexuality which cannot be satisfied. Such
sexuality, like compulsive eating, often springs from insecurity and may be
indulged in to ward off anxiety. Unable to find hoped- for release in
intercourse, such people are driven desperately to try, try again. A
nymphomaniac often is unable to experience orgasm, remaining unsatisfied no
matter how often she has intercourse. She may be unconsciously homosexual and
unable to find what she is seeking in any man, or she may unconsciously feel
that intercourse is wicked and she must not enjoy it fully.
The
male equivalent may be similarly maladjusted; he may be an unconscious
homosexual or have intense conflicts due to guilt, fear, or inferiority
feelings, intercourse with animals is a practice fairly common among shepherds
and others who are isolated from women. It has been reported by Kinsey that
about 17 percent of all males raised on farms have had some sexual experience
with animals. However, actual preference for sex relations with animals is due
to an emotional maladjustment involving feelings of inferiority. Even a woman
who showers affection on a pet may be afraid to bestow it on a fellow human
being. She may tell herself that people are unworthy of her love, but she is
actually afraid they will not appreciate her because she is unworthy.
