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. 2024 Apr;36(3):320-348.
doi: 10.1177/10790632231168072. Epub 2023 Apr 5.

A Descriptive Model of Voyeuristic Behavior

Victoria P M Lister  1 , Theresa A Gannon  1
Affiliations

A Descriptive Model of Voyeuristic Behavior

Victoria P M Lister et al. Sex Abuse. 2024 Apr.

Abstract

Over the last 50 years, there has been a plethora of research exploring sexual offending with a recent focus on online offending. However, little research has focused on voyeurism despite convictions and media awareness growing rapidly. Currently, there is sparse theoretical or empirical literature to guide research and practice for individuals engaging in voyeuristic behaviors. As such, 17 incarcerated men with a conviction of voyeurism in the UK were interviewed on the cognitive, affective, behavioral, and contextual factors leading up to and surrounding their offense(s). Grounded theory analyses were used to develop a temporal model from background factors to post-offense factors; the Descriptive Model of Voyeuristic Behavior (DMV). The model highlights vulnerability factors for men engaging in voyeuristic behaviors in this sample. Following this, the same 17 men were plotted through the model and three key pathways were identified: Sexual Gratification, Maladaptive Connection Seeking, and Access to Inappropriate Person(s). The characteristics of each pathway are discussed, and treatment implications considered.

Keywords: grounded theory; non-contact sexual offending; offense chain model; paraphilias; voyeurism; voyeuristic behavior.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Background factors.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Distal factors.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Proximal factors.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Offense and post-offense factors.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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