Thank you!!

This exploratory study provides initial insights into a previously unexamined aspect of sexual expression. Full article: doi.org/10.1080/1941...
#SexualityResearch #HarmReduction #AcademicResearch

These results have important implications for clinicians, policymakers, and professionals dealing with human sexuality topics, particularly regarding ethical approaches to paraphilic interests.

The harm reduction theme parallels recent findings on sex doll ownership that challenge assumptions about increased risk behaviors. This suggests these products may serve beneficial purposes beyond mere novelty.

The findings extend previous research beyond conventional "fun" and "novelty" factors to include aesthetic considerations and harm-reduction frameworks. Notably, preference for non-anatomical designs aligns with emerging evidence that realistic features don't predict sex toy popularity.

3. Finding Pleasure in the Taboo: arousal from transgressive elements

4. Paraphilic Harm Reduction: ethical outlets for certain attractions without causing harm

We identified four key motivational themes through thematic analysis:

1. Seeking Novelty: pursuit of diverse tactile sensations
2. Valuing Aesthetics Over Verisimilitude: preference for artistic design over anatomical realism

Working with TJ Runyon from University of West Alabama, we analyzed Reddit forum discussions to understand why people choose these products. Despite their commercial availability, research on non-human sex toys is notably absent from scholarly literature.

💭 Makes you wonder - what other "expertise" do we think we've gained from TV that doesn't actually translate to real skills?

Congrats to Vivian on excellent work! 👏

🎯 Key takeaway: If criminal profiling is to be considered reliable in investigations, it must withstand external influences from media-induced biases and perceptions.

⚖️ Even more surprising - military training in analysis and risk assessment didn't provide any advantage in profiling tasks. Human judgment remains vulnerable to biases regardless of training.

🤔 Plot twist: Media consumption had NO significant impact on profiling accuracy. So much for the "CSI Effect" making us all armchair detectives...

📊 The study compared civilians vs military members (who receive decision-making training) on criminal profiling accuracy. Both groups averaged only 43.5% accuracy - basically a coin flip.

🎓 My student Vivian L. Mullins and I just published fascinating research in Crime Scene magazine examining whether binge-watching Criminal Minds actually makes you better at criminal profiling (spoiler: it doesn't)