What is infantilism, and is it related to pedophilia?

“What is infantilism, and is it related to pedophilia?” was written for BDSMforyou.nl by Mistress Moriah.

Infantilism is the experience of pleasurable sensations by behaving like a child and then being treated, either fully or partially, as a child. Fantasies often play a major role. Infantilism can be experienced, among other things, in the form of age play, often referred to as ageplay. Infantilistic desires and associated fantasies usually persist throughout one’s life. Even within BDSM, infantilism is unfairly often a loaded topic, because it is far too quickly associated with pedophilia. While it has absolutely nothing to do with it.

Different Contexts

Infantilismcan refer to different concepts, depending on the context in which it is used. In medical and psychological contexts, there are two primary meanings:

Medical Infantilism

This refers to a physical condition in which an individual does not achieve the physical or sexual maturity typical for their age. This can be caused by hormonal or genetic disorders, underlying health issues, or other medical conditions. In some cases, medical infantilism can lead to growth retardation or delayed puberty.

Psychological Infantilism

In psychology, infantilism refers to an adult who exhibits behavior typical of a much younger age. This may include manifestations such as childlike speech, dependence on others, seeking protection and care, and finding pleasure in objects or activities usually associated with children.

Infantilism within BDSM

Infantilism involves a deep-seated desire to return to the carefree period of childhood, or a preference for adopting childlike behaviors or the desire to be treated like a child. This can manifest in various contexts, including as a source of sexual arousal.

Fantasy often plays an important role in this. One way this desire can be expressed is through age-based role-playing, known as Ageplay, in which a person pretends to be a baby or a young child (also called an Adult Baby).

Diaper lovers

In addition, there are Diaper Lovers, individuals who have a (sexual) preference for wearing diapers. A diaper lover does not necessarily have to be an ageplayer. Strictly speaking, a diaper lover is therefore not actually an infantilist. There are plenty of diaper wearers who have nothing to do with ageplay but do derive arousal or comfort from wearing diapers. However, it is a different ballgame and often not interchangeable. An ageplayer does not have to be a diaper lover (especially if he or she is not a “baby”), and a diaper lover does not have to be an ageplayer. It can go hand in hand, but it does not have to.

Interesting facts

It is important to emphasize that infantilism is in no way related to pedophilia. People who identify with infantilism do not feel attracted to children, but derive pleasure from the idea of stepping into the role of a child themselves. In such cases, the behaviors are usually carried out in a consensual, adult context, often as part of role-play or as a form of self-expression.

It is generally assumed that infantilism is significantly more common among men than among women.

A person who engages in this is called an infantilist.

In psychology, infantilism is classified as a paraphilia and is generally considered harmless.

Infantilism shares similarities with regression, but unlike regression, infantilism is not a defense mechanism that occurs in the subconscious. When an infantilist gives in to this urge, it is a conscious choice.

Perhaps infantilism bears the most resemblance to cross-dressing; an infantilist has an urge to present themselves as something they are not in reality.

More information

Ageplay – theme page
Mommydom ageplay – A first experience as Mommy

Source

Text & image: Mistress Moriah