The Impact of Persistent Deviant Sexual Interests and Persistent Low Self-Esteem on Sexual Homicide

Abstract

Major commonalities among sexual homicide models include the presence of deviant sexual interests and low self-esteem. Using a sample of violent sexual offenders who have either physically injured or killed their victim (n = 229), the current study investigates the impact of persistent deviant sexual interest(s) and persistent low self-esteem on sexual homicide. Findings suggest that both persistent deviant sexual interests and persistent low self-esteem are important predictors of sexual homicide. These findings suggest that there is a group of sexual murderers with low self-esteem who are driven by deviant sexual interests and may kill to satisfy their deviant sexual interests.

Unraveling the Personality Profile of the Sexual Murderer

“…To assess the real contribution of personality to sexual homicide, crime characteristic variables were also included in the current study (see Table 2): (a) alcohol prior to crime, (b) drug prior to crime, (c) porn prior to crime, (d) victim selection, (e) weapon used, (f) intrusive sexual acts, (g) victim forced to commit sexual acts, and (h) humiliation of victim. These variables were specifically selected for their ability to distinguish between SHOs and NHSOs in previous studies (see Beauregard & Martineau, 2016; Chan & Heide, 2016; Healey & Beauregard, 2015, 2017; Mieczkowski & Beauregard, 2010; Proulx, Beauregard, Cusson, & Nicole, 2007; Stefanska, Carter, Higgs, Bishopp, & Beech, 2015; Stefanska, Higgs, Carter, & Beech, 2017).…”

“…Although not specified in the various theoretical models of sexual homicide (see Healey & Beauregard, 2015, for a review), the disorders associated with personality represent a contributing factor explaining this form of crime. These models implicitly suggest that to commit such a crime, offenders have to present some form of psychopathology ranging from various personality disorders (e.g., Antisocial, Borderline), to psychopathy to severe psychosis (Malmquist, 2006).…”

Stepping stones to sexual murder: the role of developmental factors in the etiology of sexual homicide

“…The presence or absence of a clinical diagnosis of an impulse disorder[1] was used (Healey and Beauregard, 2017) and it was obtained from the psychologist’s diagnostic in charge of the assessment of the offender using the official Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV, American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Following the study by Healey and Beauregard (2015), the measure of presence or absence of persistent deviant sexual fantasies was obtained by computing a scale using the following variables: reporting persistent deviant sexual fantasies, reporting deviant sexual fantasies toward the victim, reporting deviant sexual fantasies not toward the victim and compulsive masturbation. The Cronbach’s α for the scale is 0.71, showing good internal consistency.…”

“…Therefore, the aim of the current study is to compare three groups of sex offenders—non-violent NHSOs, violent NHSOs and SHOs—on developmental factors identified in previous studies on sexual homicide and sex offenders. Moreover, a subsequent aim is to investigate the actual role of these developmental factors while controlling for other factors that were previously associated with sexual homicide (see Healey and Beauregard, 2015, 2017; Grubin, 1994). Taking into account these factors that have been empirically linked to sexual homicide will allow us to specifically identify the real impact of developmental factors on sexual homicide as well as non-lethal violence.…”

Child Sexual Abuse in South Africa: A Criminological Case Study Analysis Exploring a Life-Course-Persistent Pathway for Serial Rape and Murder

“…Despite the abuse that only the offender endured versus the non-abuse of his siblings, the offender maintained that he had a positive relationship with his siblings. Healey and Beauregard (2015: 1227) postulate that many serial killers were exposed to sociological (social background and how he reacted to it), psychological (cognitive deficits such as rationalisation of behaviour), biological (the effect of violence, cruelty and substance abuse on the offender), and environmental (a neighbourhood with low conventional social cohesion and control) dispositions; and/or an amalgamation hereof which forms the basis of serial/sexual homicide progression (Healey and Beauregard, 2015: 1227). In addition, serial killers and serial sexual predators are prone to trauma (i.e.…”