Sexually Frustrated Mass Shooters: A Study of Perpetrators, Profiles, Behaviors, and Victims

Abstract

Although several mass killings by incels have received much attention, the overall phenomenon of sexually frustrated offenders seems even larger. This study drew from a recently developed sexual frustration theory to closely examine public mass shooters in the United States from 1966 to 2021 ( n = 178). Results showed that some sexually frustrated perpetrators just wanted sex, while others lusted after unavailable partners or had illegal urges that were difficult to satisfy. Quantitative analyses indicated that compared to other mass shooters, sexually frustrated perpetrators were more frequently young, male, unmarried, childless, and unemployed. They were also more likely to be misogynistic, sex offenders, and fame-seekers, and their attacks killed significantly more female victims. Concerted efforts to reduce toxic masculinity and provide better guidance to young men could help reduce this threat.

Identifying Pathways to the Incel Community and Where to Intervene: A Qualitative Study with Former Incels

“…They might also be shamed during the process if their partner learns of their virgin status, even when they are still an adolescent (Carpenter, 2002). As such, adolescent boys and young adult men who are shamed in the context of their sexual activity may redirect the shame they feel under this patriarchal system as anger towards the women who refuse to have sex with them and rid them of their virgin status (Lankford & Silva, 2022), and as a result, become more vulnerable to Incel ideology and becoming an Incel. Some men may also blame larger social efforts towards gender equity as hindering their ability to have relationships in which they and their female partner adhere to traditional gender roles (Hanson et al, 2023).…”