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What is the role of fantasy in sex offending?
Author(s) -
Howitt Dennis
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
criminal behaviour and mental health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1471-2857
pISSN - 0957-9664
DOI - 10.1002/cbm.585
Subject(s) - fantasy , psychology , sexual arousal , developmental psychology , social psychology , sexual behavior , art , literature
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. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.