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 and to paraphilic behaviors 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 an adequate knowledge of the biological, psychological, psycho-pathological, and relational aspects associated to 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
The following topics will be covered in the theoretical course: 1. 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 / sex therapy) of female and male sexual dysfunctions. 8. Description of the principal paraphilias and discussion of the treatment During the laboratory hours the following topics will be studied: 1. sexual abuse and trauma; 2. cultural perspectives related to sexual behavior; 3. sexuality and disability; 4. sexuality and psychiatry; 5. sexuality and psychosis; 6. sexuality and assisted reproduction techniques (ART); 7. sexuality and cancer; 8. gender dysphoria; 9. sexuality and oncology 10. Clinical cases
Prerequisites
A basic knowledge of social psychology, psychopathology, and interview techniques is suggested.
Books
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 Optional books (The student must choose one of the three books) 1. . Bering J. Perv. The sexual deviant in all of us. 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 facultative
Exam mode
The foreseen modality is an oral exam with open stimulus and open answer with results out of thirty on the topics selected from the textbook and from the book of your choice.
Lesson mode
The course consists of frontal lectures and laboratory activities
  • Lesson code10611907
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseApplied Dynamic and Clinical Psychology
  • CurriculumClinical psychosexology
  • Year2nd year
  • Semester1st semester
  • SSDM-PSI/08
  • CFU9
  • Subject areaPsicologia dinamica e clinica