Erotic target location errors: an underappreciated paraphilic dimension.

Anne A Lawrence

July 2009 J Sex Res

Synopsis of Social media discussions

The discussions demonstrate a keen interest in the scientific foundations of ETLEs, with users quoting research summaries, such as mentions of ETLE manifestations in various types of attractions and references to comprehensive reviews. The tone shifts between curiosity and acknowledgment of clinical importance, emphasizing the article's potential influence on understanding paraphilias and identity issues.

A
Agreement
 Moderate agreement

Most discussions recognize the validity of ETLEs as a meaningful concept, with some posts affirming its relevance across gender identities and clinical contexts.

I
Interest
 High level of interest

Posts display high curiosity, referencing detailed research, specific psychological concepts, and debates about the significance of ETLEs.

E
Engagement
 Moderate level of engagement

Users actively share examples, cite studies, and discuss the terminology, indicating moderate depth of discussion without extensive debate.

I
Impact
 Moderate level of impact

The group suggests that awareness of ETLEs could influence clinical understanding and classification, indicating a moderate perceived significance.

Social Mentions

YouTube

2 Videos

Twitter

14 Posts

News

2 Articles

Metrics

Video Views

38,763

Total Likes

1,188

Extended Reach

79,063

Social Features

18

Timeline: Posts about article

Top Social Media Posts

Posts referencing the article

Understanding Erotic Target Identity Inversions and Autoerotism

Understanding Erotic Target Identity Inversions and Autoerotism

This video explores Erotic Target Identity Inversions, which involve arousal from imagining oneself as the object of desire, including gender, age, or role. It discusses the prevalence and psychological factors related to these autoerotic interests, based on recent research.

Prof. Sam Vaknin

September 12, 2022

28,919 views

Understanding Erotic Target Identity Inversions and Autoeroticism

Understanding Erotic Target Identity Inversions and Autoeroticism

The study examined Erotic Target Identity Inversions (ETIIs), rare sexual interests involving arousal from imagining oneself as the object of desire, such as acting as an animal or a different gender. It highlights psychological factors like gender identity and childhood expression.

Nothingness: Antidote to Narcissism

August 2, 2025

4,466 views

Understanding Autogynephilia and Its Role in Gender Identity Disorders

Understanding Autogynephilia and Its Role in Gender Identity Disorders

This video explains autogynephilia as a male's sexual arousal from imagining himself as a woman, including cases beyond crossdressing, and discusses its relation to gender identity disorders and transsexualism.

Ольга Ковалёва. Поговорим

December 21, 2022

3,671 views

Understanding Autogynephilia and Its Role in Gender Identity

Understanding Autogynephilia and Its Role in Gender Identity

This video explores autogynephilia, where males experience sexual arousal from imagining themselves as women, including less common forms beyond crossdressing. It reviews clinical cases and discusses its connection to gender identity disorders.

Ольга Ковалёва. Поговорим

December 24, 2022

1,709 views

  • Miky
    @Mikhal172200 (Twitter)

    @prismaticwhore @tranny_aigri @fleursdubanal @rubyburgertgirl - Men Trapped in Men’s Bodies: Narratives of Autogynephilic Transsexualism (2013) https://t.co/i1L6Ajg8ia - Becoming What We Love: Autogynephilic Sexual Orientation (2023) https://t.co/g0zT2C9r4f - Erotic Target Location Errors: An Underappreciated Paraphilic Dimension (2009)
    view full post

    August 14, 2025

  • Janet From Another Planet
    @JanetFromAnoth9 (Twitter)

    Erotic target location errors: an underappreciated paraphilic dimension - PubMed https://t.co/SWDkI39jS6
    view full post

    April 11, 2025

    1

  • Anja
    @AntiAnja (Twitter)

    @SisterWendy76 That's ETII (Erotic target Identity Inversion), not homosexuality. ETII is a form of erotic target location error (ETLE). https://t.co/gpmKOLas8N https://t.co/m5lbq69NIf
    view full post

    March 18, 2025

  • Defender- Chase
    @chkrosp (Twitter)

    @Michele_Joli @brooke_brunken @OklahomaMillie @JuliewithPALs https://t.co/mFWTgd11q5
    view full post

    June 13, 2024

  • t42
    @t4291747975 (Twitter)

    @PixiesForest @itsmyname591 @Serena_Partrick @SamFowles Here is another submission by the above-referenced man. https://t.co/MnzfYGP7DY
    view full post

    April 8, 2024

  • Anja
    @AntiAnja (Twitter)

    @alexrubner Erotic Target Location Error, ETLE. https://t.co/JvivvKJ7F1
    view full post

    August 15, 2023

    1

  • A Fin
    @BittertotheEnd (Twitter)

    @RyMB @juliecbarrett "...This review summarizes the studies leading to the concept of ETLEs and describes how ETLEs are believed to manifest in men whose preferred erotic targets are women, children, men, amputees, plush animals, and real animals." https://t.co/inmQJTMRI5
    view full post

    August 11, 2023

  • GenZie Girl
    @jenjenamy (Twitter)

    @Y_SWargo According to these sites, the US Government saw it coming. Better copy them while you can: https://t.co/CvUvzj33vQ https://t.co/QdXwn3Ap92 https://t.co/4dBiNcgbEW https://t.co/ototvNlUK3 https://t.co/tcgMUjOT0y @TERFisNotaSlur @againstgrmrs @HumbleTerf @Terfs https://t.co/GhzEb7YKCF
    view full post

    June 23, 2023

  • Mad
    @MadNormalHuman (Twitter)

    @odessamoder @Hypercortical Links for reference: https://t.co/PKJlxX4Hmd https://t.co/TQUWs4bSdc
    view full post

    April 18, 2023

  • Rebecca Brown
    @Rebecca23154038 (Twitter)

    @glumirror https://t.co/UialazCX5O
    view full post

    March 12, 2023

  • Kevin Hsu
    @kevinjhsu (Twitter)

    To my knowledge, this chapter is the most comprehensive and up-to-date review of the evidence base for ETIIs since Anne Lawrence’s 2009 paper: https://t.co/JJuIWIKiOs
    view full post

    August 31, 2022

    5

  • Chris Rennie
    @Legsakimbo3 (Twitter)

    @DudleyBenson @AnneWallis13 https://t.co/PyfmeoPxct
    view full post

    July 28, 2022

    1

  • James Cantor
    @JamesCantorPhD (Twitter)

    @a_beautifu1 Erotic target location error? https://t.co/VpMg6bJofc
    view full post

    November 27, 2020

  • the_debsta
    @TTibilsi (Twitter)

    @ElaineEdwardsIT One based on research https://t.co/74MS8TKTY2
    view full post

    January 28, 2019

Abstract Synopsis

  • The article introduces the idea of Erotic Target Location Errors (ETLEs), which involve mistakenly focusing on the wrong part of an erotic target or physically embodying it, such as in fetishism or transvestism.
  • ETLEs are relevant across different genders and attractions, including preferences for women, children, animals, or specific objects, and may have specific psychological or developmental causes.
  • The concept of ETLEs has the potential to impact clinical understanding and classification of paraphilias but has been historically underrecognized, and increasing awareness could improve diagnostic and theoretical approaches.