During my reading and additional research I was able to obtain knowledge that there are several explanatory or etiological theories about sex offending behavior that take into account a variety of factors. It is safe to say that some theories are based on single factors, and others, particularly the more contemporary theories, take into account the interaction of multiple factors.
Single Factor Theories
The way in which some offenders are described tells us the reason certain offenders may engage in sexually abusive behaviors from the beginning (Becker & Murphy, 1998). For example, the fixated molester typology basically suggested that deviant sexual preferences were the driving force behind the offenses they committed. And for the anger rapist subtype, it was suggested that a primary reason for their crimes was the misdirected expression of anger and hostility.
Researchers have suggested that certain kinds of biological factors, such as hormones, contribute to why individuals engage in sex offending behaviors. Possibly most common within this category is the role of high testosterone levels, which have been found to be associated with increased sex drive and aggression. And some biological theories suggest that certain individuals may be predisposed toward problematic sexual behaviors because of physiologically or biologically predetermined sexual appetites or sexual preferences. …show more content…
In other words, just as it is believed that individuals “learn” appropriate or socially acceptable means of sexual behavior or sexual expression, behavioral theorists indicate that deviant sexual interests or behaviors can also be learned (Becker & Murphy, 1998).
Another way in which theorists have attempted to explain the etiology of sex offending emphasizes the role of societal and cultural structures, norms, and messages. For example, some theorists suggest that desensitizing messages of violence in television or video games may implicitly condone violence.
One theory of the etiology of sex offending has to do with intimacy deficits issues. It has been suggested that different types of problematic attachments may lead individuals to have a variety of problems related to intimacy in adult relationships, and that ultimately these intimacy deficits may lead individuals to engage in sexually abusive
Single Factor Theories
The way in which some offenders are described tells us the reason certain offenders may engage in sexually abusive behaviors from the beginning (Becker & Murphy, 1998). For example, the fixated molester typology basically suggested that deviant sexual preferences were the driving force behind the offenses they committed. And for the anger rapist subtype, it was suggested that a primary reason for their crimes was the misdirected expression of anger and hostility.
Researchers have suggested that certain kinds of biological factors, such as hormones, contribute to why individuals engage in sex offending behaviors. Possibly most common within this category is the role of high testosterone levels, which have been found to be associated with increased sex drive and aggression. And some biological theories suggest that certain individuals may be predisposed toward problematic sexual behaviors because of physiologically or biologically predetermined sexual appetites or sexual preferences. …show more content…
In other words, just as it is believed that individuals “learn” appropriate or socially acceptable means of sexual behavior or sexual expression, behavioral theorists indicate that deviant sexual interests or behaviors can also be learned (Becker & Murphy, 1998).
Another way in which theorists have attempted to explain the etiology of sex offending emphasizes the role of societal and cultural structures, norms, and messages. For example, some theorists suggest that desensitizing messages of violence in television or video games may implicitly condone violence.
One theory of the etiology of sex offending has to do with intimacy deficits issues. It has been suggested that different types of problematic attachments may lead individuals to have a variety of problems related to intimacy in adult relationships, and that ultimately these intimacy deficits may lead individuals to engage in sexually abusive