ABSTRACT
Sexual sadists derive pleasure from controlling other individuals, through domineering, humiliating, and possibly hurting them. Among the perpetrators of sexual homicide, the rate of offenders diagnosed with sexual sadism is disproportionately high. While sadism is by no means a necessary precursor to grievous sexual violence, including sexual homicide, it is definitely a relevant risk factor. The current chapter yields an overview of the historical development of the medical term sadism. The present nosology of the disorder as described in psychiatric classification systems is outlined. Next, research on the putative causes and the clinical correlates of sadism is reviewed. Finally, special reference will be given to the role of sadism in the occurrence of sexual homicide.
