Gigolos may have psychological problems
PETALING JAYA: While the main motivation for most gigolos is money, many also may suffer from deep psychological problems.
Psychiatrist Associate Professor Dr Andrew Mohanraj said that many gigolos were found to have narcissistic characteristics.
"Grandiosity, a need for admiration, and an overall lack of empathy for others are some of the characteristics found among gigolos.
"They pride themselves on their looks and often need others to reinforce this perception," he said.
Psychiatrist Associate Professor Dr Andrew Mohanraj.
Dr Andrew added that they may do the job for pleasure and the feeling of being adored and receiving sexual attention. They also do not feel any remorse about making money out of it.
Early exposure to sexual experiences as well as physical and sexual abuse are also common factors among those involved in the flesh trade.
According to Dr Andrew, even when the men were involved in the trade purely for monetary gain, the long term psychological repercussions will affect their future relationships.
"Those with a narcissistic personality may eventually chose to be a Casanova who hopes to bait a rich potential spouse through his amorous behaviour much like the charming historical 18th century namesake who recorded his sexual exploits with countless women," he said.
Despite the strict moral code that most Malaysians are brought up with, the phenomenon of gigolos is one that is becoming more prominent in the country.
"In pursuit of short term financial gain, morality is often compromised . Many would justify this as purely as an occupation, part time or otherwise and there is little or no morose," Dr Andrew said.
He, however, cautioned women to be aware of substance abuse by the gigolo if they chose to indulge in such encounters.
"Gigolos often indulge like consumption of amphetamine-like substances ( ice or ecstasy ) to enhance their libido .
"This can result in risk-taking behaviour like unprotected sex which can be harmful to the unwitting clients," he said adding that exposure to Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) including AIDS is among the risks women will be taking.
On women who hire gigolos, Dr. Andrew opined that there could be many reasons for the choice, one of them being the reluctance of getting into a committed relationship.
"Gigolos are able to fufil their sexual needs and wants without the commitment. From a psychological perspective some of these women may suffer from low self esteem and feel "wanted" by such a sexual tryst even if it is artificial."
"Other women may also have some personality issues themselves which makes them want to feel in control or project their displeasure and vengeance on their partner by resorting to such promiscuous behaviour," he said.
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