An investigation into the solitary and interpersonal aspects of sexual object fetishism: a mixed-methods approach

ABSTRACT

Research and clinical practice tends to focus on the solitary aspect of sexual object fetishism. In the current studies, we explore the interpersonal aspect of sexual object fetishism. Study 1 was an online survey of individuals with self-identified clothing fetishes (N = 57). Results suggested that most participants had engaged in fetish sexual activities with another person and that a majority of participants preferred the fetishised clothing item being worn by another person. Participants were also highly specific when describing the characteristics of their preferred partner for fetish sexual activities, including the relationship to the participant, gender, age and attractiveness. Study 2 was another online survey of participants with self-identified sexual object fetishes (N = 195). The majority of participants reported having engaged in both solitary and partnered fetish behaviour. Solitary fetish activity was, on average, rated as sexually satisfying and partnered fetish activity was, on average, rated as very sexually satisfying. This research contributes to the generation of a more accurate picture of sexual fetishism by revealing that there is an interpersonal aspect to fetish sexual activity. Moreover, this research has clinical implications, which will be discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Fetishism
• fetish
• paraphilia
• sexual relationships

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Jane Bonthorne, Amanda Hunyn, and Danielle Mizrahi for their contribution in data coding, Alissa Beath for her statistical advice, and Ladd Wheeler, Julie Fitness and Cory Bill for feedback on an earlier version of this manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Giselle Rees

Ms Giselle Rees is a PhD candidate in Psychology at Macquarie University. Her PhD research focuses on investigating how sexual fetishism is experienced, and how the fetish interacts with intimate partner relationships.

Justin R. Garcia

Dr Justin R. Garcia is Ruth Halls Assistant Professor of Gender Studies and Associate Director for Research and Education at the Kinsey Institute, Indiana University.  His research interests include evolutionary behavioural sciences, and romantic and sexual relationships across the life course.“