Sexual Aggressors Against Women’s Sexual Lives: A Latent Class Analysis

Abstract

This study investigated the day-to-day deviant and nondeviant sexuality of a sample of Canadian sexual aggressors against women ( N = 160). Using latent class analysis, three latent classes were identified: internalized deviant (ID), low sexual problem (LSP), and hypersexual deviant (HD). Following the latent class analysis, the developmental, physiological, cognitive, and criminological correlates of these lifestyles were analyzed. ID ( n = 31) aggressors were characterized by sexual dissatisfaction, sexual deviance, and a bland sexual life. LSP ( n = 116) aggressors were characterized by the absence of sexual deviance or hypersexuality. HD ( n = 13) aggressors were characterized by hypersexuality and sexual deviance. Our exploratory study suggests that the day-to-day nondeviant and deviant sexual life of sexual aggressors against women appear to affect their modus operandi. Furthermore, the adult sexual lifestyles of sexual aggressors against women appear to be extensions of their adolescent sexual lifestyles. The results of this study thus suggest avenues for research—notably, the specific influence of sexual behaviours and internalized psychosexual problems on modus operandi—that could improve the clinical management of sexual aggressors against women.