Voyeurism: a paraphilia;
As it relates to sexual fantasy and sexual aggression.


Photo provided by D, 1999.

[caption: Dirty Looks: Wherever I lived, I scouted for prey.]
  1. What is Voyeurism?
  2. Characteristics of Voyeurs
  3. Fantasy and Voyeurism
  4. Case Studies
  5. Voyeurism as a Sexual Addiction
  6. Concluding Thoughts
  7. References

What is Voyeurism?

As defined by the DSM-IV, this paraphilia is characterized by sexual fantasies, urges, or behaviors involving observing an unknowing and non-consenting person, usually unclothed and/or engaged in sexual activity, to produce sexual excitement. Repeatedly for at least 6 months, the patient has intense sexual desires, fantasies or behaviors concerning the act of watching an unsuspecting person who is naked, disrobing or having sex. This causes clinically important distress or impairs work, social or personal functioning. Voyeurism is often confused but combined with scopophilia, which is a desire to look at sexually stimulating scenes (i.e. pornographic material), especially as a substitute for actual sexual participation that constitutes a partial or component instinct often sublimated (Gove, 1981). Other definitions include that a voyeur is one whose sexual desire is concentrated upon seeing sex organs and sexual acts, called also a peeping tom (Gove, 1981). Also, a voyeur is an unduly prying observer usually in search of sordid or scandalous sights (Gove, 1981). Simpson and Weiner (1989) contend that voyeurs are stimulated or satisfied by covert observation. In other terms, voyeurism is the need to secretively view unsuspecting people, usually strangers, in the act of disrobing, when they are naked, or when they are engaging in sexual activity. Such viewing leads to sexual arousal.

Voyeurism has been a part of popular culture to a lesser extent (not to the point where psychiatric treatment is needed), yet it has fueled the sexual immorality of western civilization. The sexual revolution and the media of the 20th century has provided more opportunities for voyeuristic tendencies, which in turn promotes more voyeurism as a problem, which also contributes to immoral sexual fantasy, aggression, and violence. These negative aspects are the focus of this study, as there is very little research into this area of psychology.

Characteristics of Voyeurs

Most of the research has been found through mostly anecdotal experience, for the ethical implications of a true experiment would be extremely negative. This is why personal accounts and correlational studies can only be made, and all that we have to work with, which is in very short supply to begin with. Voyeurs are typically young, heterosexual, single males (20s). They are most often the youngest member of family. The only common thread is deficiency of social relationships with opposite sex. Voyeuristic activity fulfills a sense of adventure and participation missing in "real" life. Offenders are usually characterized as "an introverted, timid, overcontrolled, and socially isolated man who was overdependent on a mother with whom he had an ambivalent relationship." (Grubin, 1999). Grubin continues in his research: "...this type of offender was sexually prudish, reserved, and inexperienced, but sexually deviant with a rich sadistic fantasy life." These men lack inhibiting factors that prevent most men from acting on sadistic fantasies. Underneath their confident exteriors, these men have a fear of failure and a lack of control. These men have a personality if not a sexual disorder, which is characterized by narcissism and antisocial behavior. They have a pervasive sense of an inability to control events in the real world; fantasy works as an operant that gives them relief from these feelings of failure.

Fantasy and Voyeurism

Fantasy plays a great deal in the life of a voyeuristic sexual offender. It is this factor that some researchers have focused on recently. It was found that a pattern of sadistic sexual fantasies have led to behavioral practices related to these fantasies, practices such as following women in the street or hiding weapons along a route a potential victim might travel (Grubin, 1999). Fantasy is an important aspect of voyeurism and sexually aggressive crime. These men reported behaviors of voyeurism and fetishism, which were ways of collecting fantasy material. These lurid fantasies are the cause of events that bring these men to doctors and police. It is illegal to spy on someone while they disrobe, and it is this risk that makes voyeurs want to do it even more; it is the thrill of the risks involved. The rush comes from the paranoia of possibly being caught in the act. Yet the difference between true voyeurs and the rest of society is that voyeurs act on their impulses while the rest of us do not. These impulses are rehearsed in behavioral tryouts, which sometimes lead to sexual crimes. It should be our concern when someone is having lurid, detailed fantasy lives; they may feel compelled to act on their fantasies. One material source of these fantasies is pornography, especially those that specialize in sadomasochistic behavior, which accounts for about 10% of all pornography. As a result, psychiatrists and psychologists rarely see these individuals. In a survey in S&M clubs in Germany, 90% of those questioned had no intention of ever seeking medical help (Grubin, 1999).

Case Studies and Personal Narratives

 1. Jim D, author of article "Why I spy on women like you" (1999) reveals anonymously his former compulsion to view women in various states of undress. He recalls beginning as an adolescent, watching neighbors and even his older sister through peepholes and windows. As he grew up, he sought out residences that had optimum viewing possibilities. Included in his spying activities would be masturbation, which he admits to with guilt, which he realized to which he had a problem. After enrolling in a rehabilitation program, he realized that he was subject to a sexual addiction, which attempted to compensate for a psychological void or lack of self-esteem. There he was taught that sexual addiction is represented by a pyramid; at the top there are rape and incest behaviors; at the bottom are men who are deep into pornography and compulsive masturbation (D, 1999). Voyeurism was somewhere in the middle of this pyramid design. D admits to turning away from intimacy and opting for watching countless, nameless females. When intimacy did occur, it was difficult for him to focus on that; he resorted to exterior fantasies which he preferred to real intimacy.

2. Mr. A turned himself in for an evaluation and management for his voyeuristic behavior (Abouesh & Clayton, 1999). He had a compulsion for looking up women's skirts with a mirror, a behavior that has been with him since his adolescence which involved his sisters. Other behaviors included masturbating to pornography up to seven times per day and continuing voyeuristic behavior in public, after which he would rush home to masturbate, and he would spend several hours viewing pornographic material on the Internet. Although he was married for 17 years, his wife had no knowledge of his behavior. One time after he came home intoxicated with alcohol, he attempted to videotape his daughter in the shower. In attempt to treatment of said behavior, he was placed on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) medication fluoxetine and paroxetine, which decreased his voyeuristic behavior. After 3 months of treatment, his voyeuristic tendencies disappeared. After 4 months of being off drug treatment, he has had no reoccurrences of voyeurism and he decided to put a block on pornographic Internet websites.

Voyeurism as a Sexual Addiction

As I mentioned in the first case study, the idea has been introduced that voyeurism is a sexual addiction. At first thought, this idea sounds accurate. Like any other addiction, voyeurism is a compulsive behavior which is ever present in the addict. Behavior is repetitive in nature to which there seems no end. As Carnes (1983) explains, an addiction begins with the person's belief system. The bottom line is that addicts base their decisions on this belief system. This means that they choose their addiction over normal rational decision making. Their thinking is impaired and do not function under normal circumstances. Carnes introduces the false logic of sincere delusion: addicts believe their own lies, which they reason with in poor judgment. Like an alcoholic needs more alcohol, a sex addict (voyeur) needs more to fulfill himself; this is how addiction works. Visual addiction has its consequences, which are at first not very obvious. Then time takes its toll when work is impaired, excuses are made, lies are told to the family, and money becomes a problem (Carnes, 1983). As Carnes indicates, a cycle or pattern of addictive behavior includes a preoccupation with the vice (sex, voyeurism), ritualization (preparation, arousal), sexual compulsivity (behavior, action), and despair (feeling of hopelessness and powerlessness).

Concluding Thoughts

Voyeurism is a mentally and emotionally crippling paraphilia that tempts men in varying degrees. We have all been tempted to watch someone in a vulnerable position, which gives a false sense of power and a tremendous sense of guilt that doesn't halt the addiction of said behavior but spurs a rush, one that is illegal and immoral. It is by grace that we are able to overcome the evils of voyeurism through removing oneself from the addicting stimuli, therapy, or drug therapy (fluoxetine and paroxetine). The intertwining of fantasy and addiction is a deadly combination, especially when it is such an accessible medium as sex. Masturbation alone cannot be the culprit; unless it is coupled with fantasy, compulsion and addiction, it is a very powerful drug.

The lack of research on voyeurism also presents a problem. As victimization of women continues to increase, especially in college age women, one cannot help but think that voyeurism has to promote these violent acts. Belknap, Fisher, and Cullen (1999) report that a possible 44% of college women have been raped, attempted rape, sexually harrassed, stalked, or insulted visually (victimized by voyeurism). I hope that this web site has been informative for you the viewer and has deterred some of you from the dangers of voyeurism.

References

Abouesh, A. & Clayton, A. (1999). Compulsive voyeurism and exhibitionism: A clinical response to paroxetine. Archives of Sexual Behavior 28(1), 23-30.

American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

Belknap, J., Fisher, B.S., Cullen, F.T. (1999). The development of a comprehensive measure of the sexual vicitmization of college women. Violence Against Women 5(2), 185-214.

Carnes, P. (1983). Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction. Minneapolis: CompCare Publications.

D., J. (1999, February). Why I spy on women like you. Cosmopolitan, 226, 168-174.

Gove, P. (Ed.). (1981). Websters' Third New International Dictionary. (3rd ed.). Springfield, MA: Merriam.

Grubin, D. (1999). Actuarial and clinical assessment of risk in sex-offenders. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 14(3), 331-343.

Valdivieso, K. & Bolding, N.K. (1998). Paraphilias - A LifeWell Education Article. Available: wysiwyg://251/http://www.lifewell.com/educenter/413.cfm.

This website is maintained by Stephen Dalbey. The opinions and research reflects on the author's and not necessarily that of Houghton College and Village Baptist Church. Thank you. Direct any email to author at sdalbey@hotmail.com

Last updated: 29 April 1999