Cuckolding and Troilism: definitions, relational and clinical contexts, emotional and sexual aspects, and neurobiological profiles

Summary

This review distinguishes cuckolding and troilism, analyzing their relational, emotional, clinical, and neurobiological aspects, and explores related relationship forms such as open couples, polygamy, and polyamory.

Key Findings

Troilism involves consensual, shared sexual experiences with established rules, mutual awareness, and emotional sharing that can strengthen the couple’s bond.
Cuckolding lacks shared consent or emotional reciprocity, often involving secrecy, humiliation, and relational breakdown.
Etiology is likely multifactorial, with stronger support for psychological causes such as post-traumatic adaptations, paraphilias, or maladaptive narcissism.
Clinical intervention is indicated primarily when behaviors are ego-dystonic or cause relational, emotional, or functional impairment.

Clinical Relevance

The distinction between consensual shared experiences and non-consensual or asymmetrical dynamics is critical for assessing relational health, emotional impact, and the need for therapeutic intervention within Dr. Sitara’s framework.

Interpretation

The source suggests that relational structure (consent, communication, shared meaning) is more clinically significant than the behavior itself. Caution is warranted due to limited empirical data and reliance on theoretical and clinical interpretations rather than robust statistical evidence.

Sources

Perrotta, G. (2020). Cuckolding and Troilism: definitions, relational and clinical contexts, emotional and sexual aspects, and neurobiological profiles. A complete review and investigation into the borderline forms of the relationship: Open Couples, Polygamy, Polyamory. Annals of Psychiatry and Treatment, 4(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.17352/APT.000019