Acrotomophilia

Acrotomophilia is a paraphilia characterized by a strong sexual interest and attraction towards individuals who are amputees. The term is derived from the Greek words akron (extremity), tomein (to cut) and philia (love). It is a form of Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID), a psychological disorder wherein individuals feel a strong desire to be disabled or desire to amputate a healthy part of their body.

History

The term "acrotomophilia" was first coined by psychologist John Money in 1977. Money was a pioneer in the field of sexual fetishism and paraphilias, and his work laid the groundwork for much of our current understanding of these phenomena.

Characteristics

Acrotomophiles may be attracted to amputees because they like the way amputees look or they may be attracted to the idea of caring for an amputee. Some acrotomophiles are attracted to the idea of dominance and control. The attraction can be towards any form of amputation, and the individual may have a preference for a specific type of amputation (e.g., above or below the knee, arm or leg amputations).

Psychological Perspectives

From a psychological perspective, acrotomophilia is considered a paraphilia. Paraphilias are sexual interests in objects, situations, or individuals that are atypical or extreme. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, does not specifically list acrotomophilia as a separate disorder, but it falls under the category of "Other Specified Paraphilic Disorder".

Societal and Cultural Perspectives

Societal and cultural perspectives on acrotomophilia vary widely. Some view it as a harmless fetish, while others see it as a form of exploitation of disabled individuals. The disability rights movement has often criticized the fetishization of disabled individuals, arguing that it objectifies and dehumanizes them.

See Also

• Apotemnophilia
• Body Integrity Identity Disorder
• Paraphilia
• Sexual fetishism

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