How exactly are fetishes developed?

Up to 75 per cent of the population is believed to have a fetish and even though conversation surrounding sexual topics is often still regarded as a taboo subject, awareness of such topics is growing. What’s more, increasingly we’re seeing more speculation about how fetishes are formed and this article aims to shed light on the matter.  

A fetish typically involves sexual arousal or interest towards an inanimate object or target—most commonly a body part that’s not genital or even a general object. The difference between a fetish compared to a preference is that a fetish is associated with a strong sexual arousal and connection.

Some of the most common types of fetishes include stockings, shoes, feet and even textures like PVC, lace and latex. But it’s important to remember that fetishes are very personal to the individual and therefore there are several different types of fetishes in the world.

One study found that body parts, not associated with genitalia, and objects that are associated with the body were the two most common types of fetishes. Closely following this was a fetish for certain behaviour, a fetish for our own behaviour, a fetish for social behaviour and fetishes for objects that were unrelated to the body. Feet and objects associated with feet such as shoes, tights and socks are the most common fetishes around.

Some experts believe that people are born with fetishes in the same way that we’re born with our sexuality. It’s believed that certain personality traits, again which we’re born with, may also result in the specific development of fetishes. However, other experts believe that it’s simply too difficult to determine exactly where our fetishes come from.

The reason for this is that fetishes and sexual activities are hugely personal to the individual experiencing them. Just think about it this way—while two people may have a foot fetish, they may have specific preferences regarding the fetish, which is why it’s not always simple to determine why the fetish developed in the first place.

One of the most basic explanations for fetishes, however, specifically foot fetishes, is that the part of the brain that is responsible for sexual sensations is next to the part of the brain that deals with foot sensations. Of course, it doesn’t explain the specific fetishes like tights or shoe fetishes.

One of the most commonly referenced theories as to why fetishes occur is what’s known as Pavlovian conditioning. In this study, heterosexual men were shown images of boots, followed by pictures of naked women. Over time, and by repeating this process, the men began to show sexual arousal by just being shown pictures of boots alone.  

Another study also highlighted the power of the brain in the formation of fetishes. Ivan Pavlov, a Russian-Soviet experimenter proved that we can create fetishes by forcing an arousal response from a non-erotic object. In his study, Ivan managed to make dogs drool by sounding a bell which they associated with mealtimes.   

Some experts have also linked fetishes to experiences that individuals have in early life. Put simply, some individuals may first experience some form of sexual arousal in their childhood. Children’s brains are like sponges and it’s easy for a memory or single event to become entwined with sexual psychology especially if that event or memory evokes strong emotions. Other experts explain that children, as small people, are often close to feet which may lead to the random association of their first experience of arousal and feet. 

This belief does split opinions though. While some experts say that the fetish was created by a childhood experience, others argue if the fetish wasn’t there before the triggering event why did it excite the person so much?  

One thing’s clear—we don’t really know why fetishes are developed. What’s more, it’s not always helpful to delve deep into trying to find a cause for it. Fetishes can mean different things for different people.

If you or a partner do have a fetish though, it’s important to know that fetishes can be part of a healthy sexual relationship and some people believe they can lead to more intense experiences. It’s normal to have a fetish and they only become harmful if they cause distress to the individual with the fetish or their sexual partners. If this is the case, just know that sexual health professionals are out there and can work with you to reduce or redirect the arousal. But otherwise, and normally, fetishes are completely healthy and individuals should be encouraged to explore what feels good to them in a safe and respectful way.