Fetishism

The Webster dictionary describes the word fetish as "an object believed to have magical powers to protect and aid its owner. Usually an object is fixated upon which does not have any direct connection with sexuality in nature. The fixation can also occur on a body part, which like the latter, does not necessarily have sexual connotations. The fetish object is almost invariably used during masturbation, and may sometimes be incorporated during sexual activity. Reports on fetishes also include arousal from sneezes. Some of the most common fetishes are women's lingerie, high heeled shoes, or specific material like silk, leather or fur. Some people have a fetish on particular body parts: feet, breasts, hair and legs, (this is also known as "partialism".)

Janus and Janus(1993) reported that some 11% of men and 6% of woman have engaged in fetishistic behaviour. Some fetishes are so common that many people have them. In fact, fetishism can also be placed on a continuum, ranging from the slight preference for an object to a strong preference for an object. There are many fetishes ranging from rape, making love in unfamiliar places, shaved genital area, fetishes for overweight people, pregnant people etc. The fetish always depends on the uniqueness of each person in what excites him/her during lovemaking.

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