Sexual Fetishism: Understanding the Diversity of Sexual Orientation Expressed through Specific Behaviors in the Context of Mental Health

Main Article Content

Thanawat Suwan Manee

Abstract

Nowadays, there is a growing societal and legal acceptance of gender and sexual diversity, particularly in Thailand, where attitudes and policies of a range of gender identities are changing.However, there is still a lack of understanding regarding deeper aspects of sexual orientation. One suchaspect is sexual fetishism, a type of sexual preference that can be found across all gender identities. Itsprevalence, sexual fetishism, remains insufficiently understood. It can be classified as a sexual preferenceor, in rare cases, a psychological condition. This lack of understanding contributes to stigma,discrimination, and stereotypes that all forms of sexual fetishism are psychiatric disorders, resulting inlong-term adverse effects on mental health and quality of life.


 


The purpose of this review article is to explore and present current knowledge on sexual fetishism, including its definitions, classifications, distinctions from psychiatric disorders, associations with mental health, and the role of psychologists in understanding and providing appropriate care. Additionally, this article aims to enhance social awareness, reduce stigma, and promote acceptance of sexual diversity in its more specific forms, thereby benefiting professionals, scholars, and mental health practitioners, enabling them to provide appropriate and comprehensive care to individuals within this community.

Article Details

How to Cite
Suwan Manee, T. . (2026). Sexual Fetishism: Understanding the Diversity of Sexual Orientation Expressed through Specific Behaviors in the Context of Mental Health. Thai Journal of Clinical Psychology (Online), 57(1), 88–102. retrieved from https://so03.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/tci-thaijclinicpsy/article/view/291683
Section
Review articles

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