Abstract
Because little is known about the development and cross-temporal stability of sexual sadism, aetiological models of sadism have remained elusive. Various formative experiences in childhood (i.e. parental infidelity/divorce and vicarious violence) have been linked to sadism in adulthood, as have some behavioural indicators in adolescence (e.g. excessive and compulsive sexual behaviours and deviant fantasies). This chapter examines the roles that early psychological, physical, and sexual abuse play in the development of aggressive, antisocial, and hypersexual fantasies and behaviours during adolescence, as well as in the manifestation of sexual sadism in adulthood.
This chapter examines the roles that early psychological, physical, and sexual abuse play in the development of aggressive, antisocial, and hypersexual fantasies and behaviours during adolescence, as well as in the manifestation of sexual sadism in adulthood. Forensic sexual sadists desire control and domination over their victims. They exhibit emotional detachment that dehumanizes their victims, and an aggressive narcissism that makes them feel entitled to do as they please with their victims. Traditionally, sexual sadism and hypersexual behaviour have been associated with the paraphilias. Sexual sadism is classified as a paraphilia and hypersexuality has been hypothesized to be a less severe paraphilia-related disorder. Maltreatment in childhood has emerged as an aetiological precursor to the development of hypersexuality, with victims of abuse reporting higher levels of sexual compulsivity, drive, and fantasies. Sadists exhibit numerous conduct problems and antisocial behaviours, and are involved in numerous assaultive incidents in adolescence.
