ABSTRACT
R. Solomon proposed that paraphilias were developed through an opponent process theory, where he viewed emotions coming in pairs, like fear–relief and pleasure–pain. I. Janssen and colleagues have proposed a Dual Control Model of sexual arousal. This proposed that there are two neurophysiological systems that contribute to sexual behaviour: a physiological excitation system and a psychological inhibitory system. The literature on sexual offending tends to divide sexual offenders, inter alia, into two groups: those who use sexual violence with adults and those who offend against children. P. Rich sees a pathway from attachment deficits predisposing children to becoming victims of sexual abuse that can precipitate a disorganized and fragmented attachment style. Sexual offending against adults falls into two categories: contact and non-contact offences. Although most sexual offenders are men, there is evidence that females offending against children are on the increase.
