A comparison of volumetric and circumferential penile plethysmographic methods, the effect of response magnitude on method agreement
Year: 1997
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Penile circumference and penile volume measurements are valuable methods of assessing sexual preferences. Following a preliminary investigation confirming the equivalency of circumferentially recorded penile base and midshaft measures, the volume and circumference methods were compared simultaneously. Forty-two volunteers were assessed using a standard test for pedophilia. Test outcome profiles between methods agreed highly when penile response was at least 2.5 mm circumferential increase (10% full erection; $r>.80).$ However, among subjects responding below this level, agreement dropped precipitously (mean r = $-$.15). ANOVA indicated subjects responding at least 2.5 mm discriminated relevant stimulus categories with either method; however, among lower responders the volumetric method was clearly superior. It is concluded: (1) 10% FE, or 2.5 mm increase should the minimum circumferential response criterion, and (2) because of the large number of low responders, volumetric plethysmography is superior for assessing the most cases.
Author: Michael E. Kuban
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2787385734