PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY OF SEXUAL AND PARAPHILIC BEHAVIOR

Course objectives

General aims. The theoretical course aims to provide students with basic knowledge regarding: 1) the cycle of female and male sexual response, 2) the etiological causes related to sexual dysfunctions, 3) the assessment and treatment of sexual and relational problems, 4) the principal aims of sexual education. Particular attention will be given to evidence-based content and the quantitative methodological approach. In addition, in the hours dedicated to the laboratory it will be implemented the knowledge acquired during the theoretical part, through role playing and discussion of clinical cases. Specific aims At the end of the course the student will have adequate knowledge of the biological, psychological, psycho-pathological, and relational aspects associated with female and male sexual function and dysfunction, and detailed knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment phases. The acquisition of the information also allows a critical reflection on the research and development of the discipline itself.

Channel 1
ERIKA LIMONCIN Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Bases of sexual behavior; 2. History of sexual habits, behaviors; 3. Sexual identity and sexual orientation; 4. Human sexual response cycle (female and male); 5. Description of the main female and male sexual dysfunctions based on the DSM-5; 6. Evaluation of female and male sexual dysfunctions (clinical interview, psychometric tools); 7. Psychological treatment (psychotherapy/sexual therapy) of female and male sexual dysfunctions. 8. In-depth analysis of specific topics: sexual abuse and trauma; cultural perspectives related to sexual behaviors; sexuality and disability; sexuality and psychiatry; gender dysphoria; 9. Diagnosis and treatment of paraphilic disorders 10. Psycho-social perspective of non-pathological paraphilic interests
Prerequisites
Fundamental prerequisites for the course are: basic notions of clinical psychology, general psychology and social psychology.
Books
1. EFS and ESSM Syllabus of Clinical Sexology (SUGGESTED). Selected Chapters: 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 , 47, 48, 49 2. D. Richard Laws, William T. O'Donohue. Sexual Deviance, Second Edition: Theory, Assessment, and Treatment Optional books (one of your choice): 1. Treating Sexual Desire Disorders: A Clinical Casebook. Editors: Sandra R. Leiblum, Rosemary Basson. 2010. 2. Emotional, Physical and Sexual Abuse. Impact in children and social minorities. Editors: Corona, Giovanni, Jannini, Emmanuele, Maggi, Mario (Eds.), Springer, 2014. 3. Sexual Dysfunctions in Mentally Ill Patients. Editors: Emmanuele A. Jannini, Alberto Siracusano, Springer, 2018. 4. Cultural differences and the practice of sexual medicine. Editors: David L. Rowland, Emmanuele A. Jannini. Springer, 2019.
Frequency
Suggested, but not mandatory
Exam mode
To evaluate that the student has acquired the theoretical and technical knowledge, the ability to reflect in an autonomous and critical way and to communicate what he/she has been learned using a correct specialistic language.
Lesson mode
The course will take place following the topics presented in the program. In addition, a peer education methodology will be adopted, thanks to which each student will present a topic of interest to the other students which they will explore in greater depth.
  • Lesson code10611907
  • Academic year2024/2025
  • CourseApplied Dynamic and Clinical Psychology
  • CurriculumClinical psychosexology
  • Year2nd year
  • Semester1st semester
  • SSDM-PSI/08
  • CFU9
  • Subject areaPsicologia dinamica e clinica