Éditorial Articles Actes de séminaire Comptes rendus Autres regards

No 2, 2008


Masculinity Anxiety and its Impact on Erotic Functionality in Sex Offenders
(Please refer to the French version for the complete article)


Suzanne Gagné, M.A.

This study concerns difficulties related to genderality and erotic functionality in sex offenders. It is based on 25 years of clinical experience in sexology with this clientele. Our sexoanalytical work has brought to light three types of gender-related functioning : 1. Hypomasculinity 2. Hypermasculinity 3. Apparent masculinity. 

Sexual functioning differs from one group to the next while similarities and consistencies can be found in individuals of a same group. The 3 groups present conflicts related to the development of masculine identity, and to the integration of sexual difference. These conflicts lead to a defensive use of phallic aggression. Atypical eroticization and sexual deviances allow one to magically avoid and temporarily neutralize the sexual conflict. These sex-related conflicts play a central role and are considered as predisposing, perpetuating and precipitating factors of sexual relapse. Specific symptoms of erotic functionality are identified in the 3 groups.