In the realm of sexual expression, an online survey spanning multiple countries has uncovered intriguing insights into the psychology of sex doll owners. Contrary to popular belief, the study found that these individuals exhibited fewer tendencies toward sexual aggression. However, it also revealed lower sexual self-esteem and a unique perceptual perspective among this group. This groundbreaking study, published in the Journal of Sex Research, has ignited a conversation about the multifaceted nature of sex dolls.

TPE sex dolls, lifelike creations custom-made for sexual purposes, have sparked considerable debate, capturing public attention and curiosity. While the use of sex toys is not new, the human-like resemblance of sex dolls has prompted discussions about their ethical implications. Particularly controversial are sex dolls that resemble children, leading to associations with child sexual exploitation rather than simple ownership.

The topic of sex doll ownership has raised ethical concerns and discussions about its potential impact on sexual aggression and the objectification of women. Previous studies have often focused on other types of sex toys and their use by women, but few have delved into the psychological characteristics of sex doll owners. Recently, Craig A. Harper and colleagues conducted an online survey to explore the psychological significance of sex doll ownership and shed light on this controversial topic.

The survey included 158 sex doll owners and 135 non-owners from various countries, primarily the United States and the United Kingdom. The participants varied widely in age, representing a diverse group of individuals. Most sex doll owners were single or divorced, while non-owners were more likely to be in a relationship or married. Interestingly, a significant number of people in the control group expressed an interest in sex dolls, highlighting curiosity about this phenomenon.

Participants identified sexual gratification as the main reason for owning sexdolls. On average, owners had 3.32 sex dolls and engaged with them about 11 times a month. In contrast, non-owners had sex with their partners more frequently, averaging 4.5 times a month. Despite this difference, sex doll ownership did not correlate with an increased risk of sexual aggression.

The study explored various psychological traits and beliefs associated with sex doll ownership. Compared to the control group, doll owners were more likely to view women as unknowable and as sexual objects, and scored higher on sexual entitlement. However, when controlling for other personality traits, sex doll owners showed lower tendencies to sexually aggress. Notably, they also reported lower sexual self-esteem and a slightly more obsessive-compulsive personality style.

The findings suggest that owning custom sex dolls may be a functional response to past relationship difficulties, influenced by the perceived unknowability of potential sexual partners, less secure attachment styles, and lower levels of sexual self-esteem. Contrary to social and legal concerns, this study did not find that owning sex dolls increases the risk of sexual aggression. However, it is important to acknowledge the study's limitations, such as reliance on self-reports and a relatively small sample size, which prevent drawing clear causal conclusions.

This study provides initial insights into the psychological aspects of sex doll ownership, challenging some common assumptions and highlighting the complexity involved. While the results suggest that sex doll ownership may have a protective effect against sexual assault, further research is needed to fully understand the implications and dynamics of this phenomenon. As the discussion around sex dolls continues, it is critical to take a nuanced approach that addresses the ethical issues and psychological factors influencing individual choices and behaviors.