What is the role of fantasy in sex offending?
Ημερομηνία
2004Συγγραφέας
Howitt, DennisFarrington, David P.
ISSN
0957-9664Source
Criminal Behaviour And Mental Health: CBMHVolume
14Pages
182-188Google Scholar check
Keyword(s):
Metadata
Εμφάνιση πλήρους εγγραφήςΕπιτομή
Background: Forensic practitioners conventionally accept that sexual fantasy plays a crucial role in the more serious forms of sexual offending. Fantasy is believed to escalate as part of an increasing cycle of offending severity. Aim: This paper explores the various possible roles of sexual fantasy in sex offending. Method: The research literature on the role of sexual fantasy in the sexual behaviours of offender and non-offender groups is surveyed. Using research evidence, the strengths of the different models that emerge are assessed. Results: Fantasy in non-offenders has been shown to be a separate domain of experience that serves to arouse sexually but does not guide behaviour. A number of different models of fantasy in offending are considered: (a) fantasy as a blueprint for offending (b) fantasy as a rehearsal for offending (c) fantasy as a means of sexual arousal (d) fantasy and offending having common origins and (e) fantasy enhancement/renewal as a cause of offending. Conclusions: It is argued that the study of sexual fantasy in non-contact sex offenders may have theoretical and practical benefits for research and practice with sex offenders in general.