Transvestic fetishism in the general population: prevalence and correlates (2004)

Långström, N., and K. J. Zucker.

Journal of sex & marital therapy 31, no. 2 (2004): 87-95.

DOI: 10.1080/00926230590477934

Abstract

We used a random sample of 2,450 18-60 year-olds in the general population of Sweden to study the prevalence as well as the social, sexual, and health correlates of transvestic fetishism (sexual arousal from cross-dressing). Almost three percent (2.8%) of men and 0.4% of women reported at least one episode of transvestic fetishism. Separation from parents, same-sex sexual experiences, being easily sexually aroused, pornography use, and higher masturbation frequency were significantly associated with transvestic fetishism. A positive attitude to this sexual practice and paraphilia indicators–sexual arousal from using pain, exposing genitals to a stranger, and spying on others having sex–were particularly strong correlates to the dependent variable.

FINDING – In a Swedish survey, 3% reported having at least one incident of transvestic fetishism. Transvestic fetishism was found to correlate with increased pornography use. Tansvestic fetishism was strongly related to experiences of sexual arousal from using pain, spying on others having sex and exposing one’s genital to a stranger.