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Asexuality And Sexual Orientation Paper

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Introduction
In 2013, research proposed that between 0.5% and 1% of the population is classified as asexual. Asexual individuals are a lack of sexual attraction towards anyone or anything (Bogaert, 2013). Research suggested that sexual orientation is the concept that best describe asexuality. However, some critics believe that asexuality should be categorized as sexual dysfunction like hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). The problem with classifying a lack of sexual desire as a disorder is that an asexual individual does not show signs of personal distress that caused by their absences of sexual attraction. Some people believe that little to no sexual interest in asexual individuals are due to their lack or masturbation and sexual fantasy. …show more content…

AIS has been found to be helpful in differentiating asexual from sexual individuals. After the assessment, approximately 93% of participants who identified themselves asexual stayed in their original group assigned to them. The remaining members are placed into the sexual category. To diagnose participant for HSDD, research as them to indicate their symptom based on the criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, 4th edition, text revised (APA, 2000). The diagnostic helps research indicates which group each member belongs to; HSDD criteria A, B, or C. Participant who declared all of HSDD Criterion A claims that they experience persistently or recurrently deficient sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity. Individuals who were considered Criterion B described their absence of sexual fantasies and their desire of sexual activity causes them distress. Finally, those in Criterion C would state that their deficiency of sexual fantasies and their desire of sexuality “are not better accounted for by a mental health disorder (such as depression), a legal or illegal drug, or some other medical condition.” However, those who does not fit any of these descriptions were out of the sexual comparison group. After establishing individual in each group, they were asked about their sexual fantasies and masturbation. The research asked how frequently do participants masturbate and have them describe their sexual fantasies (whether it involve you or other). All data were collected during September to December of 2010. Information was gathered through an online questionnaire and survey (e.g., SurveyMonkey). The period to complete the survey is approximately 60

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