Navigating the Nexus: Childhood Trauma, Sexually Coercive Behaviour, Dark Tetrad Personality Traits, and Sexual Fantasy

Abstract

This critical review examines research on childhood trauma, personality traits, sexual fantasy, and sexually coercive behaviour. While each of these areas has been extensively studied in isolation, there is a notable lack of comprehensive research that investigates these variables collectively. This review aims to bridge this gap by synthesizing existing knowledge and emphasizing the need for a more integrated approach. Studies have uncovered intriguing links between childhood trauma, the influence of personality traits on sexual fantasies, and the potential connection between sexual fantasies and sexually coercive behaviour. However, the intricate interplay among these variables remains largely investigated in empirical research. By consolidating the research on these various relationships, this review underscores the importance of gaining a more holistic and nuanced understanding of existing complex dynamics. This work serves as a foundational step towards encouraging future research exploring these variables, assisting in elucidating their collective influence on human behaviour.