Darshana is sexually aroused by athletic shoes. Based on this information, a psychologist would correctly describe Darshana as experiencing a. a refractory period. b. sexual dysfunction. c. gender dysphoria. d. a paraphilia.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: d. a paraphilia
Paraphilia is the correct term used by psychologists to describe a condition in which an individual’s sexual arousal is strongly focused on objects, situations, or individuals that are not typically associated with sexual activity. In Darshana’s case, she is sexually aroused by athletic shoes, which are nonhuman objects. This behavior falls under the category of a paraphilia because it involves a recurrent, intense sexual interest in something outside of normative sexual practices.
Paraphilic interests can include a wide range of objects or behaviors, such as footwear, leather, specific materials, or even particular types of body parts that are not usually considered erogenous. For a diagnosis to be made, these interests must persist over time, usually for at least six months, and they may cause distress or impairment in important areas of functioning, although distress is not always present in every case.
This condition is different from the other answer choices. A refractory period refers to the recovery phase after orgasm when a person is physiologically unable to achieve another orgasm, especially in males. Sexual dysfunction refers to problems that prevent an individual or couple from experiencing satisfaction during sexual activity, such as erectile dysfunction or lack of sexual desire. Gender dysphoria describes distress or discomfort that arises from a mismatch between one’s gender identity and assigned sex at birth.
Therefore, Darshana’s arousal pattern is best described as a paraphilia, specifically known as fetishism, where nonliving objects, like shoes, become the primary source of sexual arousal. Although not all paraphilic interests require treatment, clinical attention might be necessary if the behavior causes distress, impairs functioning, or involves non-consensual acts.