Demystifying Zoophilia: Classification and Psychological Aspects of Humans Having Sexual Relationships with Animals

Abstract In the course of the present study 445 users of zoophilia forums were asked to complete an online survey measuring social anxiety, self-esteem and empathy. Comparisons between the recruited sample and existing classifications of zoophilia demonstrated that only about a half of the sample (51.5%) stated engaging in sexual activity with animals by answering detailed questions about the nature of their sexual interaction. A large part of the sample for example reported high self-esteem (85.7%) which is inconsistent with previous findings linking zoosexuality to a deficit in selfesteem. In consideration of the findings a new classification of Zoophilia is proposed.