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Fetish versus Paraphilia "Sometimes people use the word “fetish” to imply any kind of “atypical” sexual interest, or kink. For sex researchers.., “fetish” specifically refers to a strong sexual preoccupation with an object, material or body part....... The focus of a fetish is something not traditionally considered sexual. “Paraphilia,” according to Robert T. Francouer’s The Complete Dictionary of Sexology,means compulsively responding in a sexual way to an unusual or socially unacceptable stimulus. ....The most recent edition, the DSM-IV, only describes paraphilia as a psychiatric disorder if it causes distress to the individual or harm to others.