Correlates of Exhibition-like Experiences in Childhood and Adolescence: A Model for Development of Exhibitionism in Heterosexual Males

Abstract

We identified risk factors before age 18 for exhibitionism and urges to engage in exhibitionism. Sharing a tub bath with a female and allowing a female partner to look at his genitals appeared to serve the function of conditioning experiences that were both pleasurable and sexually arousing. Being allowed to be nude in mother's presence indicated mother's approval for engaging in the exhibitionism. The findings were consistent with a conditioning model in which exhibition-like experiences can initiate a vicious cycle that can result in a sexual addiction with powerful urges to engage in exhibitionism that are triggered by dysphoric feelings.