What Is a Fetish?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypes of FetishesWhy People Have FetishesWhen Is a Fetish a Problem?Treatments for FetisishmIncorporating a Fetish Into Your Relationship

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Types of Fetishes

Why People Have Fetishes

When Is a Fetish a Problem?

Treatments for Fetisishm

Incorporating a Fetish Into Your Relationship

Close

A fetish is an inanimate object or non-sexual part of the body that arouses sexual desire.

The term fetish has become fairly mainstream. For example, foot fetishes are the most common and openly talked about. However, people’s understanding of what constitutes a fetish and when it becomes a problem has lagged behind.

Fetishes come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from the foot fetish mentioned above to a penchant for leather, rubber, or certain aspects ofBDSM practices.

However, it’s not so much the content of the fetish that should be cause for concern; rather, it’s when that fetish takes over a person’s life and affects their relationships that they are considered problematic.

It is also important to recognize that while the word fetish is sometimes used interchangeably with kink, the two are not the same.

What is a Kink?A kink refers to a non-standard or unconventional sexual practice or fantasy. It is a broad term to refer to sexual interests outside of what is often considered “vanilla” sex, where a fetish involves a sexual fixation that a person requires to find sex pleasurable.

What is a Kink?

A kink refers to a non-standard or unconventional sexual practice or fantasy. It is a broad term to refer to sexual interests outside of what is often considered “vanilla” sex, where a fetish involves a sexual fixation that a person requires to find sex pleasurable.

There are a number of examples of specific fetish objects that might be the target of a fetish disorder or simple non-disordered fetish. Common categories these fetishes might fall into include:

Body Parts

Body Features or Fluids

Clothing or Materials

Non-Sexual Objects

There has not been much research to explore why fetishes develop. However, some theories have been suggested. Biological, cultural, emotional, and social factors may all play a role.

French psychologist Alfred Binet was the first to use the term fetish in an erotic context in 1887.At the time, it was suspected that fetishes took hold through an arousing experience with an object during childhood.

Fetishes are thought to be less common in women, which might suggest that there are unique factors regarding biological differences between men and women. However, it is important to note that much more research is needed in this area to understand how fetishes begin, who is more likely to have them, and how they influence behavior.

Some research has indicated that people who report having fetishes are more likely to use drugs and alcohol and experience lower levels of life satisfaction.

A sexual or erotic fetish can be defined as an extreme sexual fixation on an object or body part. The object of the fixation is called the fetish, and the person with the fetish is called a fetishist.

There is a clear distinction between fetishism and fetishistic disorder, a condition recognized in theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-5-TR).

The DSM-5 lists three criteria for this disorder, which falls into the category of paraphilic disorders (others in this category include voyeuristic and exhibitionistic disorders).

The DSM-5 also has specifiers for the disorder, which are ways of further narrowing down the specifics of what you are experiencing. These include the following:

For a fetish to be considered a disorder, it must cause you significant distress in some manner, and it must have lasted at least six months.

When a fetish is a disorder, it can lead to illegal activity, loss of interest in usual sexual activities, and poor relationships. In these cases, treatment for the fetish is warranted to reduce reliance on the fetish and increase interest in acceptable stimuli.

Below are the typical treatments that may be used.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT) methods such as aversion therapy, orgasmic reconditioning, and covert conditioning may be used for fetishes.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Given the fact that there are theories that fetishes originate in some connection during childhood, it’s not surprising that some therapists may usepsychodynamic techniquesto work with the unconscious when unraveling fetishes.

Medication

Medications such as antiandrogens (to lower sex drive and reduce sexual fantasies) andselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs) (to improve mood) may be used for disordered fetishes.However, some medications can have significant side effects that must be considered.

RecapTreatment for fetishistic disorder depends on the needs of the individual, but may involve the use of different forms of psychotherapy (such as CBT or psychodynamic therapy, medications, or a combination of the two.

Recap

Treatment for fetishistic disorder depends on the needs of the individual, but may involve the use of different forms of psychotherapy (such as CBT or psychodynamic therapy, medications, or a combination of the two.

Some couples may find that they want to work on making the fetish part of their relationship instead of getting rid of it altogether. For something like a foot fetish, this might mean incorporating foot massage or other enjoyable activities into your sexual relationship.

However, others may want to agree to have this be a time-limited aspect of their sexual engagement. For example, a couple might decide to only participate in the fetish on certain days of the week or for special occasions.

Relationship counselingor couples therapy can help couples work on improving communication about a fetish that they want to keep but manage as part of their relationship.

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A fetish might become a problem if it crosses the line from a part-time fantasy to a full-time obsession. A common sign to watch for is being unable to become sexually interested in anything unless it involves the fetish object or situation.

If you are struggling, it’s important to reach out for help, no matter how embarrassing that may feel. In particular, if you are the spouse or partner of someone with a destructive fetish that is ruining your relationship, know that help is available.

8 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ventriglio A, Bhat PS, Torales J, Bhugra D.Sexuality in the 21st century: Leather or rubber? Fetishism explained. Med J Armed Forces India. 2019;75(2):121-124. doi:10.1016/j.mjafi.2018.09.009Logan P.Victorian Fetishism. Albany: State University of New York Press; 2009.Darcangelo, S. Fetishism: Psychopathology and Theory. In Laws DR, O’Donohue, WT (eds.).Sexual Deviance: Theory, Assessment, and Treatment, 2nd edition. The Guilford Press. pp. 112–113.Långström N, Hanson RK.High rates of sexual behavior in the general population: Correlates and predictors.Arch Sex Behav.2006;35(1):37-52. doi:10.1007/s10508-006-8993-yAmerican Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Psychology Today.Fetishistic Disorder.Marshall W.L., O’Brien M.D., Marshall L.E. Modifying sexual preferences. In: Beech A.R., Craig L.A., Browne K.D., editors.Assessment and Treatment of Sexual Offenders: A Handbook.Wiley; Chichester: 2009.Turner D, Briken P.Treatment of paraphilic disorders in sexual offenders or men with a risk of sexual offending with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists: An updated systematic review.The Journal of Sexual Medicine.2018;15(1):77-93. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.11.013Additional ReadingFiroz K, Nidheesh Sankar V, Rajmohan V, Manoj Kumar G, Raghuram T.Treatment of fetishism with naltrexone: A case report.Asian J Psychiatr. 2014;8:67-68. doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2013.11.006Meston C. Sexual Paraphilias.The Sexual Psychophysiology Laboratory.

8 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ventriglio A, Bhat PS, Torales J, Bhugra D.Sexuality in the 21st century: Leather or rubber? Fetishism explained. Med J Armed Forces India. 2019;75(2):121-124. doi:10.1016/j.mjafi.2018.09.009Logan P.Victorian Fetishism. Albany: State University of New York Press; 2009.Darcangelo, S. Fetishism: Psychopathology and Theory. In Laws DR, O’Donohue, WT (eds.).Sexual Deviance: Theory, Assessment, and Treatment, 2nd edition. The Guilford Press. pp. 112–113.Långström N, Hanson RK.High rates of sexual behavior in the general population: Correlates and predictors.Arch Sex Behav.2006;35(1):37-52. doi:10.1007/s10508-006-8993-yAmerican Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Psychology Today.Fetishistic Disorder.Marshall W.L., O’Brien M.D., Marshall L.E. Modifying sexual preferences. In: Beech A.R., Craig L.A., Browne K.D., editors.Assessment and Treatment of Sexual Offenders: A Handbook.Wiley; Chichester: 2009.Turner D, Briken P.Treatment of paraphilic disorders in sexual offenders or men with a risk of sexual offending with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists: An updated systematic review.The Journal of Sexual Medicine.2018;15(1):77-93. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.11.013Additional ReadingFiroz K, Nidheesh Sankar V, Rajmohan V, Manoj Kumar G, Raghuram T.Treatment of fetishism with naltrexone: A case report.Asian J Psychiatr. 2014;8:67-68. doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2013.11.006Meston C. Sexual Paraphilias.The Sexual Psychophysiology Laboratory.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Ventriglio A, Bhat PS, Torales J, Bhugra D.Sexuality in the 21st century: Leather or rubber? Fetishism explained. Med J Armed Forces India. 2019;75(2):121-124. doi:10.1016/j.mjafi.2018.09.009Logan P.Victorian Fetishism. Albany: State University of New York Press; 2009.Darcangelo, S. Fetishism: Psychopathology and Theory. In Laws DR, O’Donohue, WT (eds.).Sexual Deviance: Theory, Assessment, and Treatment, 2nd edition. The Guilford Press. pp. 112–113.Långström N, Hanson RK.High rates of sexual behavior in the general population: Correlates and predictors.Arch Sex Behav.2006;35(1):37-52. doi:10.1007/s10508-006-8993-yAmerican Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Psychology Today.Fetishistic Disorder.Marshall W.L., O’Brien M.D., Marshall L.E. Modifying sexual preferences. In: Beech A.R., Craig L.A., Browne K.D., editors.Assessment and Treatment of Sexual Offenders: A Handbook.Wiley; Chichester: 2009.Turner D, Briken P.Treatment of paraphilic disorders in sexual offenders or men with a risk of sexual offending with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists: An updated systematic review.The Journal of Sexual Medicine.2018;15(1):77-93. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.11.013

Ventriglio A, Bhat PS, Torales J, Bhugra D.Sexuality in the 21st century: Leather or rubber? Fetishism explained. Med J Armed Forces India. 2019;75(2):121-124. doi:10.1016/j.mjafi.2018.09.009

Logan P.Victorian Fetishism. Albany: State University of New York Press; 2009.

Darcangelo, S. Fetishism: Psychopathology and Theory. In Laws DR, O’Donohue, WT (eds.).Sexual Deviance: Theory, Assessment, and Treatment, 2nd edition. The Guilford Press. pp. 112–113.

Långström N, Hanson RK.High rates of sexual behavior in the general population: Correlates and predictors.Arch Sex Behav.2006;35(1):37-52. doi:10.1007/s10508-006-8993-y

American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.

Psychology Today.Fetishistic Disorder.

Marshall W.L., O’Brien M.D., Marshall L.E. Modifying sexual preferences. In: Beech A.R., Craig L.A., Browne K.D., editors.Assessment and Treatment of Sexual Offenders: A Handbook.Wiley; Chichester: 2009.

Turner D, Briken P.Treatment of paraphilic disorders in sexual offenders or men with a risk of sexual offending with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists: An updated systematic review.The Journal of Sexual Medicine.2018;15(1):77-93. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.11.013

Firoz K, Nidheesh Sankar V, Rajmohan V, Manoj Kumar G, Raghuram T.Treatment of fetishism with naltrexone: A case report.Asian J Psychiatr. 2014;8:67-68. doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2013.11.006Meston C. Sexual Paraphilias.The Sexual Psychophysiology Laboratory.

Firoz K, Nidheesh Sankar V, Rajmohan V, Manoj Kumar G, Raghuram T.Treatment of fetishism with naltrexone: A case report.Asian J Psychiatr. 2014;8:67-68. doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2013.11.006

Meston C. Sexual Paraphilias.The Sexual Psychophysiology Laboratory.

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