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A thin line lies between fantasy and reality in people with psychopathic traits

Date:
September 15, 2014
Source:
Wiley
Summary:
New research indicates that people with psychopathic traits have a preference for nonromantic sexual fantasies with anonymous and uncommitted partners. The study's investigators noted that psychopathic sexual behavior is likely due to a preference for sexual activity outside a loving, committed relationship rather than only an inability to form such relationships.
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New research indicates that people with psychopathic traits have a preference for nonromantic sexual fantasies with anonymous and uncommitted partners. The study's investigators noted that psychopathic sexual behavior is likely due to a preference for sexual activity outside a loving, committed relationship rather than only an inability to form such relationships.

Individuals with deviant sexual preferences and normal levels of empathy, kindness, and self-control have many strategies for satisfying their needs, including negotiation, compromise, and restraint; however, individuals with high levels of psychopathic traits might turn to sexually aggressive strategies to attain gratification.

"Most people have sexual fantasies, and that's quite healthy and normal. People with higher levels of psychopathic traits, however, are more likely to report having actually engaged in those fantasized behaviors, especially when the behaviors weren't within the context of established romantic relationships," said Dr. Beth Visser, lead author of the Journal of Personality study.


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Materials provided by Wiley. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. Beth A. Visser, Victoria DeBow, Julie A. Pozzebon, Anthony F. Bogaert, Angela Book. Psychopathic Sexuality: The Thin Line Between Fantasy and Reality. Journal of Personality, 2014; DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12110

Cite This Page:

Wiley. "A thin line lies between fantasy and reality in people with psychopathic traits." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 15 September 2014. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140915114536.htm>.
Wiley. (2014, September 15). A thin line lies between fantasy and reality in people with psychopathic traits. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 18, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140915114536.htm
Wiley. "A thin line lies between fantasy and reality in people with psychopathic traits." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140915114536.htm (accessed March 18, 2024).

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