Sexual Infantilism is a term used to describe adults who have an interest in infant-like behavior, like wearing diapers or being cared for in a child-like manner. The word Sexual Infantilism can be broken down into three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. It is pronounced /ˈsɛkʃuəl/ /ˌɪnfənˈtaɪlɪzəm/. The combination of the prefix "sexual" and "infantilism" reflects the content of the term. Although it is an unusual word, it is important for professionals who work with individuals who display these behaviors to be familiar with the term.
Sexual infantilism is a psychological and paraphilic condition characterized by an individual's sexual attraction or arousal towards infants or objects associated with infancy. This paraphilia involves a persistent and intense sexual interest in behaviors, fantasies, or role-playing that emulates the care or nurturing given to infants.
Persons with sexual infantilism may exhibit a range of behaviors and fantasies reflecting their attraction to infant-like qualities, such as wearing diapers, using pacifiers, or desiring to be treated as a baby or toddler. They may engage in age regression, seeking to revert to an infantile state, both psychologically and physically.
It is important to note that sexual infantilism should not be confused with pedophilia, which involves a sexual attraction towards prepubescent children. While they both involve deviant sexual behaviors, sexual infantilism typically centers around adult role-play and fantasies related to infant-like behavior, rather than actual sexual interaction with children.
Sexual infantilism is considered to be a paraphilic disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It is classified as a specific subtype of paraphilic infantilism, a more general term encompassing a broader range of infant-like behaviors and interests. Treatment for sexual infantilism often involves psychotherapy, aiming to address the underlying issues contributing to the person's paraphilic interests and help manage potentially harmful behaviors.
The term "Sexual Infantilism" is a compound phrase comprised of two elements: "sexual" and "infantilism".
1. Sexual: This word refers to matters concerning sex, sexuality, or the expression of sexual desires and activities. It originates from the Latin word "sexus", which means "the state of being male or female". It first appeared in English in the mid-17th century.
2. Infantilism: This term stems from the Latin word "infantilis", which means "babyish" or "childish". "Infans", its root, means "not speaking". In general, infantilism refers to when a person displays behaviors, characteristics, or preferences that are typical of a child. In a psychological context, it can refer to the desire for or involvement in activities related to infancy or early childhood.