Unconscious guilt as an explanation for male genital exhibitionism
Bernard M. Marshall Smith College School for Social Work 2004
Abstract This exploratory study investigated the role of
unconscious guilt in the development and maintenance of male genital
exhibitionism. A series of four case studies were retrospectively
examined for the role played by unconscious guilt. The cases were
initially approached and formulated using psychoanalytic drive theory as
a theoretical model, but it was empirically discovered that shame and
guilt played a significant role in the development of the disorder in
these cases. The relief of the feelings and resolution of the behavior
through a therapeutic process that included an element of forgiveness
further suggested a significant role for shame and guilt.
The cases were retrospectively examined using the framework of control
mastery theory, and the Interpersonal Guilt Questionnaire was used to
measure several domains of guilt in these subjects. In addition, the
General Ability Measure for Adults IQ test, the Minnesota Multi-phasic
Personality Inventory-2, and structured clinical interviews were used to
further describe and profile these subjects.
The results support the hypothesis that unconscious guilt is associated
with male genital exhibitionism and unexpectedly reveal that sexual
trauma may be an important cause of unconscious guilt and the generation
of exhibitionistic behavior in these subjects. The findings challenge
psychoanalytic drive theory that sees the behavior resulting primarily
from disguised aggression expressed in sexual behavior. This work raises
questions about the correct theoretical model for this behavior, and
calls for further clinical research to illuminate the role of
unconscious guilt in the development of compulsive sexual behaviors.
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