Psychoanalytic Understanding of the Origins of Sexual Violence

Abstract

ABSTRACTChildhood trauma is theorized to be the source of adult sexual violence. The psychological repercussions of such trauma and the ego options in dealing with its effects—ranging from the adaptive to the pathological—are outlined. Key concepts in attachment theory and drive theory are utilized to arrive at a coherent understanding of the unconscious dynamics of sexual violence. Critically evaluating relevant literature, we frame our clinical experience within the rubrics of trauma and defense mechanism theory to evaluate predispositional antecedents and to elucidate the key determinants of sexual violence.