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Sexual sadism: brain, blood, and behavior
R Langevin1, J Bain, G Wortzman
1Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Biological factors, particularly brain abnormalities, are noteworthy in sexual sadism. Further study is needed to understand the link between brain pathology and criminal behavior in sadists.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Forensic Psychology
Background:
- Sexual sadism is poorly understood, with some individuals exhibiting gross endocrine and brain abnormalities.
- Subtle temporal lobe brain abnormalities are observed in approximately two-fifths of sadists, potentially linked to sexual behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the interface between the endocrine system and brain function in relation to sexual anomalies.
- To investigate the role of biological factors, specifically brain pathology, in sexual sadism.
Main Methods:
- The study reviews existing literature and case observations on individuals with sexual sadism.
- Analysis of endocrine and neurological data in a subset of individuals exhibiting sadistic behaviors.
Main Results:
- A correlation exists between brain pathology and the level of force used in offenses.
- Brain abnormalities are also linked to a higher likelihood of recidivism in sexual sadists.
Conclusions:
- While psychological factors are crucial, biological factors, especially brain pathology, are significant in sexual sadism.
- Further research into brain abnormalities and their connection to sexual sadism is warranted due to correlations with offense severity and recidivism.