Lecture Notes: Coprophilia

Definition and Overview

• Coprophilia: A paraphilia involving sexual arousal and pleasure from feces.
  • Also known as scatophilia or scat.
  • Greek roots: kpros (excrement) and phila (liking, fondness).

Classification

• Classified under Paraphilia NOS (Not Otherwise Specified) in the DSM by the American Psychiatric Association.
  • Diagnosis is based on clinically significant distress or impairment caused by the behavior, urges, or fantasies.
  • Related issues include sexual dysfunction, legal complications, and interference with social relationships.

Research and Data

• Limited data, often pulled from studies on sadomasochism (SM):
  • 1999 study in Finland: 18.2% of 164 males from SM clubs engaged in coprophilia.
  • No significant difference between heterosexuals (18%) and homosexuals (17%) in trying coprophilia.
  • Connection noted in studies comparing men engaged in bestiality and SM.

Society and Culture

• Handkerchief code:
  • Brown handkerchief symbolizes coprophilia among gay male casual-sex seekers or BDSM practitioners.
  • Left wear: top, dominant partner; Right wear: bottom, submissive partner.
• Public and cultural references:
  • Chuck Berry, musician, and his involvement in coprophilic activities in videos.
  • Cleveland steamer: Term for defecating on a partner's chest, received media attention in the U.S.
  • Hot Karl: Sexual slang for defecating on a partner; related to "Cleveland steamer" and "Dirty Sanchez".
  • Dirty Sanchez: Sex act involving smearing feces on a partner's upper lip, possibly contrived for shock value.

Related Concepts

• Coprophagia: Consumption of feces.
• Scatology: Study or preoccupation with excrement or obscenities.
• Urolagnia: Paraphilia involving sexual pleasure from urine.

References and Further Reading

• Key texts and studies on the topic, including works by Holmes, Corsini, and Flora.
• Further literature exploring the sociocultural aspects and medical implications of coprophilia.