Dissertation
Sexual Violence and Fantasy: Investigating the Utility of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00766
Abstract
Sexual violence is a prominent and global health concern, characterised by a continuum of harmful sexual behaviour, ranging from coercion to engage in sexual acts to serious violent assault and even death. Origins of sexual violence encompass multiple pathways to offending, including genetic predispositions, adverse childhood experiences, sociocultural processes, and contextual influences. For perpetrators of sex crimes, a recurring consideration in treatment frameworks resides in an individual’s experience of sexual fantasies that arguably preceded and perpetuate harmful sexual behaviour. However, empirically supported psychological interventions for sexual fantasy management in the context of sexual violence perpetration are suboptimal, prompting the need for both further research and alternative treatment approaches. The theoretical underpinnings of both the cognitive nature of sexual fantasies and eye-movement desensitisation reprocessing (EMDR) therapy present opportunities for such exploration. Accordingly, this thesis (a) systematically examined the available evidence concerning psychological interventions for sexual fantasies; (b) explored how the phenomenological characteristics of sexual fantasies relate to sexual behaviour and differ between those with and without harmful sexual interests and behavioural history; and (c) investigated the efficacy of an abbreviated EMDR intervention for sexual fantasies in the general population. A literature review, four empirical studies, and a discussion were designed for this purpose. Collectively, the findings generated from this thesis may be used to inform future research and interventions regarding sexual violence perpetration, with the ultimate goal of mitigating risk of harm and promoting public safety.
Details
- Title
- Sexual Violence and Fantasy: Investigating the Utility of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy
- Authors
- Andrew Allen - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, External
- Contributors
- Prudence Millear (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Psychology
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00766
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Engage Research Lab; School of Health - Psychology; Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99739598202621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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