How do men narrate ‘the self’ and ‘the other’ in their favourite sexual thoughts?

Introduction: Theories on sexual offending suggest that sexual thoughts (STs) may be
related to offending behaviour. Understanding the difference in STs between men with no sexual perpetration experiences (NSPE) and with sexual perpetration experiences (SPE) may help understand offending behaviour. ST research has largely focused on ST content, which limits our understanding of the meaning these STs may have to the men who report them. Narrative theory suggests that one’s personal beliefs may be reflected in their narrative accounts. Considering the interpersonal nature of sexual offending, the way that men with SPE see themselves and other people may be reflected in their favourite sexual thoughts (FSTs). The current study therefore used a novel approach of narrative analysis (NA) to explore the ways ‘the self’ and ‘the other’ were narrated in the FSTs of SPE and NSPE men. Method: This study used data from the Sexual Thoughts Project and conducted qualitative secondary analysis. In total, 56 FST descriptions were selected (28 SPE and 28 NSPE respondents).
Results: The findings of the analysis supported existing findings in the literature that the STs of men with NSPE and SPE are primarily more similar than different. There were few differences, as the SPE group narrated ‘the self’ as more explicit, and narrated ‘the other’ as intimate, and as having a powerful/less identity and being taboo. The NSPE group narrated ‘the other’ as hunted.
Discussion: Multiple theories may explain the NA findings (e.g. hegemonic masculinity). There are also methodological considerations around the context of the data. Findings have implications for risk assessment in offending populations, and demonstrate the suitability of approaches such as NA to ST and offending research. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between STs and offending histories, offending risk, and personal beliefs