Understanding the sexual fantasies of sex offenders and their correlates

Abstract

Sexual fantasy is proposed to be an important factor in sexual offending. However, the existing research on this topic suggests that its role is multifaceted and interrelated with various other important factors associated with the sex offender. Thus, in this paper, we begin by examining some of the conceptual and definitional issues regarding the term ‗deviant sexual fantasy'. We then discuss the literature relating to sexual fantasies and some of its chief correlates, including: (1) sexual arousal, (2) affective states, (3) personality, and (4) behavior. Throughout the paper we discuss the relevant research and theories; identify the possible areas for future research; and offer some novel suggestions for theoretical development.

Sexual victimisation, sexual cognitions, desire and excitation/inhibition in community Spanish male and female sexual aggressors

“…For example, Flak, Beech, and Fisher (2007) suggest that fantasies are important in the development of deviant preferences and interests and enhanced arousal. Some studies have suggested that community men and women who perpetrate sexual aggression often experience a higher frequency of deviant sexual thoughts than non-aggressors (e.g., Bartels & Gannon, 2011;Hunter, Lexier, Goodwin, Browne, & Dennis, 1993;Tardif, Auclair, Jacob, & Carpentier, 2005;Williams, Cooper, Howell, Yuille, & Paulhus, 2009). However, the lack of an operational definition of "deviant fantasy" makes it difficult to assess such fantasies with a valid measure.…”

Theories of Deviant Sexual Fantasy

“…For example, a number of studies have demonstrated a relationship between deviant sexual fantasies and negative emotional/affective states (Looman, 1995;McKibben, Proulx, & Lusignan, 1994;Proulx, McKibben, & Lusignan, 1996), personality traits (Curnoe & Langevin, 2002;Williams, Cooper, Howell, Yuille, & Paulhus, 2009), behavior (MacCulloch et al 1983Woodworth, Freimuth, Hutton, Carpenter, Agar, & Logan, 2013) and cognition Zurbriggen & Yost, 2004). Thus, rather than being restricted to sexual arousal, this research suggests that deviant sexual fantasy is a much more multifaceted phenomenon (Bartels & Gannon, 2011).…”

“…As such, deviant fantasies are generally included within theories of sexual offending (e.g., Marshall & Barbaree, 1990;, relapse prevention models (Pithers, Kashima, Cummings, & Beal, 1988), and treatment programs (Stinson & Becker, 2012). However, deviant sexual fantasy is a multifaceted phenomenon that interrelates with a number of other factors such as affect, personality, and behaviour (Bartels & Gannon, 2011). Thus, deviant fantasies have been proposed (and found) to serve other functions for sex offenders.…”

Diferencias en contenidos y situaciones de fantasías sexuales entre estudiantes de psicología de ambos sexos

“…La fantasía sexual es una cognición o conducta encubierta que implica imágenes y/o narrativas verbales excitadoras o estimulantes (Bartels y Gannon, 2011). Las fantasías sexuales pueden formar parte de una historia elaborada o representar actividades sexuales, cuerpos desnudos o áreas erógenas; pueden involucrar situaciones irreales, situaciones deseadas o construirse a partir de recuerdos e involucrar memorias episódicas.…”