child loss, bereavement, tcf canada, tcf, compassionate friends, grief, grieving

The Autoerotic Asphyxiation Syndrome in Adolescent and Young Adult Males

Of the various types of abnormal sexual behaviour, or "paraphilias" as defined by medicine, probably the most bizarre and dangerous is autoerotic asphyxiation, also known as sexual hanging. Autoerotic asphyxia is the practice of inducing cerebral anoxia, usually by means of self-applied ligatures or suffocating devices, while the individual masturbates to orgasm. The most common practitioners of this paraphilia are adolescent and young adult males. Despite its long documented history, this bizarre practice is still an enigma for most in society, including medical and law enforcement personnel. Tragically, the asphyxiator's sexual practice is usually first discovered when he dies from accidental hanging.

Survivors of those who die by autoerotic asphyxiation are puzzled and troubled by what must seem to them bizarre behaviour on the part of individuals whom they believed to be free of abnormal sexual behaviour. The surviving family members and friends are left struggling with the sudden tragedy of death, along with having to cope with the bizarre, embarrassing practice of autoerotic asphyxiation. Families are left with lingering questions of: Why did he do this? Who taught him this? Why didn't he get help?

The grim task of answering these enigmatic questions is usually left to law enforcement investigators or medical professionals who, most likely, have only limited explanation for the autoerotic practice. There are psychoanalytic and physiological theories that can explain some of the reasons for the practice, however, families are still left with unanswered questions, along with feelings of guilt and embarrassment. This paper will attempt to explain the autoerotic asphyxiation syndrome, and suggest that through education, counselling and emotional support, family and friends can gain relief from this emotionally scaring experience.