An exploration of the population of mentally disordered sex offenders and their behaviour

Komarzynska, Kinga (2013). An exploration of the population of mentally disordered sex offenders and their behaviour. University of Birmingham. Foren.Psy.D.

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Abstract

The nature and prevalence of mental disorders amongst the population of sex offenders has been systematically reviewed, along with the relationship between these disorders and their offending behaviours. The results highlighted the lack of research regarding the offending behaviour of this population, as well as inconsistency and inconclusiveness of findings relating to the characteristic of this population. The empirical research investigated behavioral consistency and change within a series of crimes perpetrated by mentally disordered sex offenders. This study attempted to explore factors that could potentially influence their modus operandi. The research highlighted the number of personal and situational factors, and their complex relationships, that are associated with the offenders’ behaviour at the crime scene. The findings identified consistency that was reflected in behavioural patterns. At the same time, the variability of the behaviour was observed. The changes in the behaviour seemed to be gradual, and associated with experience, learning (i.e. evolutionary), or more sudden, linked to more acute change in the motive or mood (i.e. reactive). Additionally the thesis introduced the Wilson Sexual Fantasy Questionnaire (WSFQ) that was designed to measure the sexual fantasies, one of the factors believed to influence sex offender’s behaviour at the crime scene.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Foren.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Foren.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):