Paraphilic Interests in the Swiss Population: Results of a Representative Survey in the Canton of Zurich

Abstract

This article presents results of the prevalence and correlates of paraphilic interests. A representative survey conducted in the largest canton of Switzerland among 18- to 50-year-olds ( n = 1,236) shows that masochism and sexual sadism are the most widespread paraphilic interests. At least 1 of 13 paraphilic interests was reported by 46.4% of the respondents. Only a small proportion said they suffered at least slightly from the interest. Among male respondents and younger respondents, various paraphilic interests are significantly more common. In addition, there are significant correlations between paraphilic interests and pornography consumption, on the one hand, and life satisfaction and mental health, on the other.