The role of sexual and other behaviour patterns, sanitation and hygiene on social health

11/4/2016 Contents 1.INTRODUCTION ...... 2 2.WHAT IS AUTO EROTIC ASPHIXIA ...... 2 3.WHAT BEHAVIOUR PATTERNS AFFECT AUTO EROTIC ASPHIXIATION ...... 3 4.CHARACTERISTICS OF ITS PREVALENCE ...... 4 5.WHAT ARE THE SOCIAL ELEMENTS OF AUTOEROTIC ...... 6 6.STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM ...... 7 6.1. BREAKING THE SILENCE ...... 8 6.2 DANGEROUS EDUCATION...... 8 6.3 BREAKING RELIGIOUS STIGMA OF (WHICH IS THE PRIMARY FOCUS OF AUTOEROTIC ASPHYXIA) ...... 9 7.CONCLUSION ...... 10 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 12

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1.INTRODUCTION

Behavioural patterns are deeply rooted in the collective beliefs, norms and values of a society. Identifying the underlying beliefs is vital to understanding culturally specific connotations of behaviour patterns (Nell, 2012:20).

Hygiene and sanitation are implicating factors for social health. This is particularly evident in communities where lack of resources for maintenance of proper hygiene and sanitation and lack of education on how to effect proper hygiene and sanitation, result in a range of illnesses which sometimes have potentially deadly consequences (Nell, 2012:20).

Indiscriminate sexual behaviour patterns are also a note for concern especially with the prevalence of the spread of HIV/AIDS (Nell, 2012:20) The behaviours are not only of concern in the spread of AIDS, but also in the spread of STD’s and ultimately death.

Identifying behavioural patterns as an explicating factor of disease has been one of the greatest contributions to social health over the past two decades (Institute of medicine, 2001:138). The community and its resources influence sexual behaviour (Gant, 2009). Of particular note is the negative social relations factor – Isolation. Research clearly shows that men and women who are isolated and disconnected from others have a greater risk of premature death (Institute of medicine, 2001:149). This is a salient point with the topic that I have chosen to discuss in this assignment – Autoerotic Asphixia. Sex is not an isolated behaviour but rather one that is practiced and engaged in by all people. However, the problem arises when this practice transcends the norm and becomes harmful and dangerous. People who engage in sexual fetishes and are in the minority and often feel isolated and also practice in isolation.

2.WHAT IS AUTO EROTIC ASPHIXIA

According to The American Heritage Medical Dictionary Autoerotic asphyxia is a form of sexual masochism. In reality, it is associated with masturbation which is a

2 solo social behaviour. In a nutshell it can be said that autoerotic asphyxia is an erotic act involving strangulation. The premise behind the fetish is that when your brain is deprived of oxygen you experience a high just before you are rendered unconscious (Downs, 2005). This high coupled with masturbation is the sexual thrill that the person partaking in auto erotic asphyxia seeks.

However, because of the solitary aspect involved in autoerotic asphyxia (Jenkins, 2000), the danger exists of accidentally committing suicide. Often a fail-safe mechanism is implemented so that it automatically releases once the orgasm is achieved or after a period of time or upon release of a lever or rope. These fail-safe mechanisms are not always fail proof as the participant is often weak from the orgasm and lack of oxygen and cannot therefore release the lever or rope. That is where the behaviour becomes a threat to one’s health (Downs, 2005).

3.WHAT BEHAVIOUR PATTERNS AFFECT AUTO EROTIC ASPHIXIATION

Sex is the behaviour pattern that influences autoerotic asphyxiation (AEA). According to Freud (cited in Louw, van Ede & Louw, 1998:45) sexual energy is present from birth and follows a path from the pregenital stage to the genital stage and beyond. During adolescence, sexual behaviour will include masturbation and physical sexual activities. Masturbation is defined as sexual self-stimulation which implies that it is a solitary sexual act (Louw et al. 1998:403).

Masturbation is a universal phenomenon and prevalent between both male and females. It was regarded as immoral and as such those who masturbated experienced guilt and anxiety. However, today it is acknowledged as a healthy behaviour as part of sexual satisfaction. It is how people discover their sexuality, satisfy their sexual needs. Now, during our modern times, it is only considered problematic if it interferes with the social development and health of the person masturbating (Louw et al. 1998:403). AEA is a disturbing trend o dangerous masturbation.

AEA is not only secluded to masturbating adolescents, it is also prevalent amongst adults who use is as a form of dominance in BDSM (Harries, 2015). According to

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Robbins (2013) Ariel Castro, better known as the Cleveland kidnapper – did not commit suicide as was initially thought but had inadvertently strangled himself during AEA . Guards had falsified details about the number of cell checks and the fact that he was found with his pants and underwear around his ankles.

David Caradine, a very well- known actor who portrayed the roll of Shane and starred in Kung Fu was also found dead in his closet with a rope around his genitals and neck as a result of sex play gone wrong (Beam, 2009).

4.CHARACTERISTICS OF ITS PREVALENCE

AEA is most prevalent amongst men (Beam, 2009). Especially between the ages of 13 – 20 years. There is however an incidence amongst females too. AEA has been reported in ages spanning from 9 to 80 years (Jenkins, 2000).

Due to the fact that teenagers are more than often found by their parents and the emotional impact of finding a child in such a manner, has led to clean ups to alter the death scene. This leads to under reporting of the paraphilia and an over reporting of teen suicide. It is estimated that 6.5% of all adolescent suicides and 31% of adolescent are associated with AEA (Jenkins, 2000).

Despite the peculiar nature of this potentially deadly sex game, most of the participants are well adjusted high achievers. Their intention is not self- destruction at all but rather sexual gratification. Their behaviour is mostly a thrill seeking sexual activity (Jenkins, 2000).

There are warning sings – although not infallible, but enough to raise suspicion of possible AEA activities. This includes:

• Unexplained ligature marks on the neck. • Pornography stashed in closet or cupboards. • Multiple lengths of ropes tied in odd knots, including neckties. • Prevalence of regular bloodshot eyes. • Complaints of headaches.

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• Locks on bedroom doors which were not necessarily there before (Jenkins, 2000). • Interest in sadism and .

(Slideshare) Images of autoerotic fatalities.

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(Slideshare) Images of autoerotic fatalities.

5.WHAT ARE THE SOCIAL ELEMENTS OF AUTOEROTIC ASPHYXIA

It is said that AEA was used as a treatment for after doctors who were called out to scenes of male hanging victims/prisoners realised that they often developed . During asphyxiation endorphins are released which are happy hormones. These also numb the pain as they are literally 80 times stronger than morphine. Combine these hormones with oxytocin released during orgasm, you create a very pleasurable feeling despite the pain of being strangled. It can therefore be equated to sexual heroin (Gussak, 2004).

According to the student, this makes the feeling addictive and the person partaking in the sex game more careless and more daring to achieve greater highs and orgasms. According to Crooks and Baur (2015:530) it is not just about the sexual stimulation, it is also about the enhancement intensity of the orgasm.

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It is also thought that AEA is part of the BDSM circle as a form of sexual masochism. BDSM is a social behaviour that is being practiced among a specific group of like- minded people where pain and pleasure, are part and parcel of the sexual attraction and satisfaction. People who partake in it may also keep diaries of their fantasies that they wish to play out either solo or by dominating a submissive (Crooks & Baur, 2015:530).

The media also play an important part in portraying asphyxiation in a “romanticised” manner. This is supported by the informal survey by Kathrin Passig (cited in Downs, 2005) where she claims that many of the respondents were enticed into AEA by means of the way asphyxiation was portrayed in movies such as Alfred Hitcock’s Frenzy.

Another social behaviour that contributes to the prevalence of this potentially dangerous sexual practice is the ease with which pornography is available to young children. So the added problem of the subject being taboo along with the youngsters getting acquainted with the behaviour in the wrong way makes it all the more dangerous and potentially lethal (Harries, 20150). According to the student, porn is nothing but bad acting and this leads to the wrong methodology being portrayed of how a sexual act should be done. The unsuspecting adolescent only sees certain parts of the enactment without fully understanding the safety implications and that is where the real risk is quadrupled.

6.STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM

One of the biggest challenges faced when putting together strategies to address a social problem such as autoerotic asphyxia is the shame and guilt that those who partake it in experience. Stigmatisation in the media creates an atmosphere of being unable to control these sexual urges and renders the person feeling ashamed and guilty (Fong, 2006). According to the student people who engage in sexual asphyxia will not easily go to a therapist for treatment, therefore the strategy needs to focus on factors outside of medicine.

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Masturbation is not an openly discussed matter and as such remains shrouded in secretive mystery. This coupled with the pornography books so readily available today, detailing all sorts of paraphilia and fetishes, leaves little to the imagination as to why people would be allured by the false romanticized version of dangerous sexual behaviours.

6.1. BREAKING THE SILENCE

AEA as a behaviour is shrouded in secrecy and shame. It is no secret that AEA deaths are often reported as suicides and not as AEA gone wrong (Downs, 2005).

It occurs in all races and all socioeconomic levels (Anon, s.a). According to Harries (2015) no one wants to talk about finding their loved one in a sexually deviant and compromising way. Police are also not well equipped to identify the various elements that would denote AEA death. It is easier to just chalk it up to suicide.

Talking about AEA is the best way to educate the public and the adolescents who are curious and want to try it (Downs, 2005). Knowing what to do and how to implement the correct safety measures will greatly reduce the incidents of mortality with regards the practice of AEA. It will also take away the mystery and enticement factor as the data and details will be available and thus make it less of a challenge and more of a lifestyle choice if it was decided to pursue the behaviour.

In order to break the silence I would encourage open communication and debate in high schools, television and even bring in deviant sexual behaviours and their dangers in the life skills curriculum of high schools. The more the children and public are educated as to the exact details of what AEA is and how it is performed and what the dangers are the more informed and safe those who wish to practice it will be.

6.2 DANGEROUS EDUCATION

Young boys are dangerously educated with the availability of porn showing romanticised versions of a potentially lethal behaviour. This is exasperated by the

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taboo factor and therefore no one is around to offer sound guidance to the curious adolescent.

It is not an easy task for adolescents to abstain from sexual activity. Sex is a normal human behaviour. However, where the youth are not adequately educated as to the consequences of giving in to their natural biological urges, problems arise (Brady & Halpern-Felsher. 2008:162-168).

According to the student, a possible strategy to break the strong hold of dangerous education regarding ARA is to relook at the pornographic laws. The manner in which dangerous pornography can be obtained and misused. It is also the opinion of the student that society change the negative indoctrinations associated with masturbation and premarital sex in order to allow the adolescent to mature normally and with healthy values about sex.

6.3 BREAKING RELIGIOUS STIGMA OF MASTURBATION (WHICH IS THE PRIMARY FOCUS OF AUTOEROTIC ASPHYXIA)

Religion and social indoctrination are one of the biggest factors leading the shroud of secrecy with regards to sex and sexual activities.

According to Slattery (2014) masturbation as a sexual practice is an extremely complicated issue. In Judaism we find that in the old texts masturbation is condemned and likened to . However, the more recent texts condone the practice as a natural part of human development and biology. This is in stark contrast to the condemnation in total by the Catholic church who find that any sex outside the realms of a marriage or for procreation is not accepted. Only in the case where a woman is unable to achieve orgasm through normal sex may she masturbate (Fisher, 2013).

According to the student, a behaviour which is biologically very natural becomes a bone of contention in the religious spheres and as such causes much psychological turmoil. This is not conducive to healthy sexual development and adds to the frustrations and guilt experienced by the adolescents. Religion should not become an indoctrination contrary to natural biological development. It should become part of

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a healthy decision making tool for each adolescent from which to decide if they want to partake in AEA.

Consultation with church leaders is a vital step in the right direction to break the stigmas associated with masturbation (which form the basis of AEA) and also to allow for the biological natural process of sex to develop within a non-conflicting set of religious morals and values.

7.CONCLUSION

No society or community will be excluded from the practice of some form of sexual deviant behaviour. The intensity and severity of the consequences are what renders the behaviour so problematic and dangerous.

One of the biggest drawbacks is the fact that most of these sexual deviant behaviours are practiced solo and without the due diligence of the consequences or correct administration methods. This leads to the high incidence of mortality.

The guilt and shame factor are also so poignant in that they distort reality for the person who is partaking in these sexual behaviours and they fear stigmatisation and ridicule if they ask for assistance or methodology. Religion plays a very heavy role in this stigmatisation process as religion in general has conflicting views about masturbation and sex in general.

Any form of deviant behaviour should be approached with the relevant knowledge and due diligence, however, the ease with which over romanticised porn can be obtained and the manner in which it portrays potentially lethal practices is astounding. This often leaves the “uneducated” adolescent believing that nothing can go wrong and that a massive orgasm is but a chock hold away.

The underreporting of the incidence is another problem which perpetuates the shame factor. If the police were adequately trained to identify salient points which clearly distinguish AEA from suicide, and the statistics showed that, more people would be willing to come forward and talk about it. This would mean that more accurate data about AEA could be obtained and spread through the media, which

10 may result in saving a life. Society is all too keen to keep controversial matters under wraps and rather apportion it to some lesser social evil. This is clear in the classification of AEA deaths as suicides.

A lot more research and education of the public is needed in order to highlight the dangers of AEA. There is no way that one can eradicate the behaviour, but there is a real possibility of educating and minimising the associated dangers of the practice.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anon. s.a. Autoerotic asphyxiation syndrome in adolescent and young adult male. http://www.telecomassociation.com/pubs/chokinggamereport/files/aea_paper.pdf Date of access: 2 November 2016.

Beam, C. 2009. Strangle with care. Explainer. http://www.morrissey- solo.com/threads/strangle-with-care.101074/ Date of access: 2 November 2016.

Brady, S.S. & Halpern-Felsher, B.L. 2008. Social ad emotional consequences of refraining from sexual activity among sexually experienced and inexperienced youths in California. American journal of public health, 98(1):162-168.

Crooks, R. L. & Baur, K. 2015. Our sexuality. Canada: Cengage learning.

Downs, M. 2005. The highest price for pleasure. MedicineNet.com. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=51776 Date of access: 3 November 2016.

Fisher, A. 2013. Sex & religion: Five traditions on masturbation. Kinsey Confidential. https://kinseyconfidential.org/sex-religion-religious-traditions- masturbation/ Date of access: 4 November 2016.

Fong, T. W. 2006. Understanding and managing compulsive sexual behaviours. Psychiatry (Edgmond), 3(11):51-58.

Gant, Z.C. 2009. Social environmental factors and their effects on risky sexual behaviour: a multilevel approach. University of Mitchigan. (Thesis – PhD).

Gussak, D. 2014. Well hung: Erotic asphyxiation. Psychology today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/obesely-speaking/201402/well-hung Date of access: 3 November 2016.

Harries, M. 2015. Erotic asphyxiation: the widespread and potentially fatal fetish that nobody will talk about. Vice Media LLC. http://www.vice.com/read/erotic- asphyxiation-the-potentially-fatal-fetish-that-nobody-talks-about Date of access: 2 November 2016.

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Institute of medicine. 2001. Health and behaviour: the interplay of biological, behavioural, and societal influences. Washington DC: National Academies Press.

Jenkins, P. A. 2000. When self-pleasuring becomes self-destruction: autoerotic asphyxiation paraphilia. The International Electronic Journal of Health Education, 3(3):208-216.

Louw, D.A., van Ede, D. M. & Louw, A.E. 1998. Human development. 2nd Ed. South Africa : Kagiso Publishers.

Nell, W. 2012. Lifestyle coaching and HIV/AIDS. North West University. Vaal Campus. (Study guide SGVK 687 VEC).

Robbins, T. 2013. Ariel Castro may have died from auto-erotic asphyxiation, not suicide, state says. CBS News. 10 October 2013.

Slattery, J. 2014. Masturbation: It is wrong? Christianity today. http://www.todayschristianwoman.com/articles/2014/may/masturbation-is-it-always- sin.html Date of access: 4 November 2016.

Slideshare. Investigating autoerotic fatalities. https://www.google.co.za/search?q=images+of+autoerotic+asphyxia&tbm=isch&imgi l=XU_USiIv5UBPaM%253A%253BJovHxKuAtq79YM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F %25252Fwww.slideshare.net%25252FDarrenDake1%25252Finvestigating- autoerotic- fatalities&source=iu&pf=m&fir=XU_USiIv5UBPaM%253A%252CJovHxKuAtq79YM% 252C_&usg=__mu3_E0IEZFotwhtLRc- 6WrUO0D8%3D&biw=1366&bih=662&ved=0ahUKEwjMv5zVso3QAhVDIMAKHXjU Cb8QyjcINA&ei=AJobWMy_MsPAgAb4qKf4Cw#imgrc=XU_USiIv5UBPaM%3A Date of access: 3 November 2016.

The American Heritage medical dictionary. 2007. http://medical- dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/autoerotic+asphyxia Date of access: 2 November 2016.

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