Which psychological condition involves the urge to gain pleasure by touching non-consenting individuals?

Frotteurism is a paraphilic disorder characterized by the urge or act of gaining sexual pleasure by rubbing against a non-consenting individual, typically in crowded places where the behavior can go unnoticed. Individuals with this condition often seek out situations where they can discreetly touch or rub against someone without their awareness or consent, fulfilling their sexual desires through this non-consensual contact.

Understanding frotteurism helps to illuminate the psychological motivations behind such behaviors, which are often rooted in the individual’s desires for power or control, as well as the thrill associated with the covert nature of the act. This distinct characteristic sets frotteurism apart from voyeurism, which involves observing unsuspecting individuals, and exhibitionism, where individuals derive pleasure from exposing themselves, often without any direct physical contact.

In contrast, sadism revolves around deriving pleasure from inflicting pain or humiliation on others, further differentiating it from frotteurism.