Twenty‐four male genital exhibitionists were interviewed in detail and followed up for periods of from 1 to 5 years. Biographical, attitudinal and behavioural data obtained from them were examined with a view to providing information about the aetiology of this behaviour. The evidence presented and discussed is consistent with the hypothesis that exhibiting represents the expression of an innate disposition. Exhibitionism is found to be widespread and patterned in form, to have a driven quality and to coexist with a variety of personality types. This hypothesis is further developed by discussion of anthropological and ethological dat