Exhibitionnists's Cognitive Mecanisms

Exhibitionism is a paraphilia, which is defined according to the DSM 5. The estimated prevalence in men is between 2 to 4% (The prevalence of exhibitionistic disorder in females is even more uncertain but is generally believed to be much lower than in males).

At judiciary level: approximately 30% of apprehended male sex offenders are exhibitionists. They have the highest recidivism rate of any sex offender; about 20-50% are arrested again.

The studies are old and not very prolific on the subject of exhibition. The available data are lacking, there is no clinical evaluation scale for exhibitionism. The diagnosis is essentially based on facts with judicial characteristics "did patient show himself? ", "Does he enjoy showing off?". Investigators have no data on the cognitive distortions that support this particular acting out, the (specific) triggering factors and the potential psychological vulnerabilities of exhibitionists Some cognitive and sensory mechanisms may be involved in the origin and development of the processes underlying the act (Johnston and Ward 1996). The investigators will rely on the identification of anticipatory, relieving and permissive beliefs as a schema that can explain cognitive processes leading to acting out (Johnston and Ward, 1996). The goal is to apply this approach to exhibitionism. It should be noted that this model of thoughts (anticipatory, relieving and permissive) is taken up in the field of addiction. Exhibition is generally presented in the literature as a possible addictive disorder (Jon E. et al). The investigators will investigate whether there are specific factors precipitating exhibitionnism's acting out, other than the general precipitating factors or the recidivism risk factors known in sexual violence (SONAR, STATIC-99, PCL- R, SVR-20...). The investigators will also study the psychological vulnerabilies of these subjects.