Infantilism

Infantilism (paraphilic) is a certain psychological condition experienced by those whose level of physical maturity has clearly progressed beyond the life-stage of infancy. The defining aspect of this condition is the derivation of a profound sense of well-being or of a certain type of great pleasure that becomes associated with various infantile objects and/ or infantile roleplaying.

Clarification of Terminology. Paraphilic infantilism is not to be confused with certain medical conditions of arrested physical development which are also referred to in the medical field as various forms of physiological infantilism. For the sake of clarity, in the remainder of this article, the word “infantilism” will be used to refer to what is technically called “paraphilic infantilism”.

Infantilism in Young Children. Infantile regression is sometimes noted in young children, and often appears to be associated with their exposure to stressful environmental conditions. Such infantile regression in young children is not uncommon, and is usually temporary. Infantile regression in older individuals is more often found to be a chronic condition.

A Common Object of Fixation. Perhaps the single most common object of fixation amongst infantilists is the diaper. Most infantilists feel drawn to wear and/ or use diapers with a great range of frequency. This range of frequency of wearing and/ or use may vary from once a year to continuously. Such variations of frequency can vary from individual to individual, and can also vary within the same individual from year to year.

Possible Psychological Causes and Effects. The irrational fantasy of regression that is central to infantilism is most commonly believed to be the result of some form of perceived childhood trauma. Invariably this has some effect on the sex life of the individual. While not all forms of infantilism include sexual gratification, minimally infantilism does appear to have some very definite sexual implications and connections.

Change is Usually Difficult. Such irrational fantasies are almost always seated deep in the subconscious mind, which by definition does not always operate on the level of common conscious rationality. As such, any attempt to successfully modify this behavior pattern must by definition be capable of correctly interpreting the subconscious needs of the individual and of somehow meeting these needs in more rational ways.

Psychological Perspectives On Infantilism. In adult psychology and sexuality, infantilism is usually regarded as a type of sexual roleplaying and is often viewed as a variation of BDSM. In this variation, the person takes on one or more aspects of the role of a baby. It is a subset of ageplay and often regarded as edgeplay.

Some Forms of Infantilism. Infantilists usually combine the submission of the baby role with the fetishes of diapers, though not all infantilists actually practice coprophilia or watersports. Some, known as diaper lovers (or DL’s) enjoy wearing diapers without taking the role of an infant. Those who prefer to role play as infants are often referred to as adult babies (or AB’s). Some forms of infantilism are purely regressive, without any sexual contact, however most forms include some aspect of sexuality. Where dominance and submission are involved, the top or dominant plays the role of a parent, nursemaid, or babysitter.

Impact and Ramifications. Infantilism is found in all age groups. Most adult infantilists practice infantilism strictly or mostly in private. As with most “alternate life-styles” there appears to be an infinite number of variations in the specific ways that infantilists may choose to practice infantilism. Many have managed to practice it while marrying, raising a family, and leading successful careers. Others have been less fortunate and have found divorce, and other types of social stigma to result.

Common Experiences of Infantilists. Most infantilists report experiencing a great release of emotional stress and tension when they assume the infantilist role. Conversely, certain feelings of security and contentment are also commonly experienced by infantilists while assuming this role.

Teen Infantilists Usually Remain Segregated From Adult Infantilists. Infantilism practitioners usually divide themselves between teen babies (or TB's), who begin to practice infantilism between the ages of 12 to 20, and adult babies (or AB/DL's), who either begin to or continue to practice infantilism at higher ages. For legal reasons adults are limited from discussing sexual aspects with minors, and online communities therefore seek to separate them. Both enjoy shedding the hardships of life and regressing to an earlier time. This can include wearing and using diapers, using baby paraphernalia (such as pacifiers, bibs, bottles, rattles and toys), and being taken care of by someone else. Another allied phenomenon is the Daddy's Girl fetish lifestyle.

Diaper Lovers (DL's), and Adult Babies (AB's)- Diaper wearing is a sexual fetish for many adults that does not always incorporate the desire to regress in any other way. In such cases, those adults who enjoy wearing diapers, without sensing any desire to regress in any other way, often prefer to be referred to as Diaper Lovers (DL's). In fact, some who employ diapers only for the occasional purpose of sexual gratification, find themselves to be quite surprised when being classified together with others who are far more involved with them. Some Diaper Lovers even feel offended should any connection between themselves and infantilism be implied by others. Others voice less concern over such a distinction.

Those who, in their practice of infantilism, incorporate strong elements of the desire to otherwise regress, through various forms of role playing, often like to refer to themselves as Adult Babies (AB's), as opposed to Diaper Lovers.

Undoubtedly, infantilism does not present us with any black and white definitions, rather, it presents us with a seemingly infinate spectrum of various forms of behaviors.

Infantilism vs: Pedophilia- Infantilism should not be confused with pedophilia, a sexual attraction to children in general, or with infantophilia, the sexual attraction to small children. Those with infantilistic tendencies appear to nearly all reject, or be strongly adverse to, any form of pedophilic behovior.

See also

• Sexual fetishism
• Paraphilia
• Fetishes (documentary)
• Milk fetishism

External link

• New AB (An introductory site(no sexual content))
• Understanding.Infantilism.org (Another introductory site (no sexual content))
• Surviving Babyhood (Infantilism primer)
• The Daily Diaper
• What Is True Infantilism?
• The Infantilist Support Club & Forum
• Teenbabynet.org - A forum for Diaper Lovers and Infantilists, as well as Babyfurs.