An Umbrella Model of Sexually Deviant Behaviour: Integrating Developmental, Social, and Biopsychosocial Influences

• In Event: Sex offenders

Abstract

Here the Integrative Model is introduced that will investigate the development of sexually deviant behaviours via three inter-connected levels of influence 1) developmental environment, empathy and social learning, and biopsychosocial factors.
The model infantilizes the alleged necessity for a proper psychosexual developmental environment to be adaptive. This contributed form of analysis deals with how environmental factors are instrumental in moulding sexual predisposition.
The next level looks at the influence of empathy and social learning on sexual regulation, as well as sexual compulsions. As with the past models Ward & Hudson (2001), Ward & Beech (2016) have shown that a lack of empathy and exposure to deviant contexts predispose to the formation of sexually deviant behaviors.
Taking into account deviant sexual behaviour, the third level of the model encompasses the implications of biological, psychopathological and psychosocial factors. Consistent with Seto (2019) this highlights cognitive distortions and motivation as mediators of sex offender behaviour.
Lastly, the model merges implicit theory by suggesting that self-esteem and perceived self-concept moderate the legitimizing or de-legitmising of deviant actions. This assumption is consistent with research defining self-perception in sexually deviant behaviour (Ward & Hudson, 2001).
This Integrative Model brings together theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence to provide a framework for understanding the holistic complexity of sexually deviant behaviors. Confirmatory empirical support will be critical to testing these assumptions and the elaboration of prevention/ intervention strategies.

Author

• Ricardo Ventura Baúto, Egas Moniz School of Health and Science