Aphephilia

Aphephilia is a sexual preference characterized by attraction to being touched. It's a form of sexual arousal or gratification derived from physical contact. This is considered a relatively uncommon fetish where the sensation itself is the focus of arousal.

Aphephilia may also be referred to as haptephilia, which describes pleasure from certain types of touch on areas like the neck, sides, belly, back, and thighs.

Origins of the Term

While not officially listed in major diagnostic manuals like the DSM‑5, aphephilia can fall under the general domain of paraphilias, which includes intense or recurrent sexual interests in atypical stimuli or situations. It is included in "Jim Goad's Gigantic Book of Sex" (2007) and "Sex Crimes and Paraphilia" (2006).