A typology of sadistic sexual offenders
This study looks at whether sadistic sexual offenders constitute a heterogeneous population. We first determine if such offenders can be classified into distinct groups according to manifestations of their deviant sexual fantasies and then consider whether their individual characteristics and modus operandi are associated with specific manifestations of sadism. Our sample consisted of 735 sadistic sexual offenders assessed on the Sexual Sadism Scale (SeSaS). Latent class analysis was used to identify heterogeneity in sadistic behaviors while external validity analysis was used to confirm the model. Results show that sexual sadism can be categorized according to four distinct types of sadistic crimes that involve either violence, torture, domination, or mutilation. These different types of sexual sadism can be linked to individual and modus operandi characteristics. Both theoretical and practical implications are discussed in the conclusion.