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Plushophilia involves a sexual attraction to stuffed animals or toys.
Based on studies, there are more people with assorted paraphilias than we typically think.
Additionally, our stuffed animals and toys can be significant objects of comfort when we’re young.
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Because of that, we may transfer feelings of comfort, nostalgia, and arousal onto them as adults.
Are Furries Plushophiles?
Furries and plushophiles are not the same thing.
There may be some crossover or overlap between the two, but they are separate interests.
There are two main reasons for this.
For one thing, Friedman tells us that “furries are people who enjoyrole-playingas stuffed animals.”
Plushophilia involves attraction to stuffed toys, not the act of role-playing as one.
On the other hand, plushophilia indicates a sexual interest in stuffed animals.
Instead, their distress is due to “cultural shame, stigma, and rejection by partners.”
We all have countless different tastes, and many people find what others enjoy to be unpleasant for themselves.
Can Plushophilia Become Unhealthy?
Even though plushophilia itself isn’t unhealthy as an interest, it can become unhealthy.
Plushophilia should be treated like any other interest that a person may have.
Does Liking Stuffed Animals Mean That I’m a Plushophile?
Many adults still like stuffed animals.
Enjoying them does not make you a plushophile.
The difference is a sexual one: plushophiles have asexual attractionto stuffed toys.
However, if you engage in sexual activity with them, then you are likely a plushophile.
For others, it is the only way they can become fully aroused."
However, if one of you is and the other one isn’t, it could potentially cause strife.
She tells Verywell Mind that “it is quite common and very possible to navigate the difference effectively.”
Be sure to do so openly, with curiosity and without judgment.
Fisher KA, Marwaha R.Paraphilia.
StatPearls Publishing; 2023.
2017;54(2):161-171.
United States: people who own sex toys in the U.S.2022.Statista.
