Fluctuating emotional states before and during child sexual abuse and rape: a file review analysis of males in mandated care in The Netherlands

Abstract

This study examines the emotional states preceding and during incidents of child sexual abuse (CSA) and adult rape among a Dutch sample of adult male patients in mandated clinical care. Using the Mode Observation Scale, emotional profiles prior to 63 instances of CSA and 60 cases of rape were compared to identify commonalities and differences in emotional dynamics. Findings indicate that both CSA and rape were frequently preceded by feelings of vulnerability, undifferentiated anger, and loneliness, with the acts themselves often marked by callous unemotionality. Differences emerged in emotional manipulation, which was more prevalent leading up to CSA, while an inflated sense of self-worth was observed more before incidents of rape. Substance-related detachment was common preceding rape, and controlled anger appeared more frequently in rape contexts. The study suggests that CSA and rape share underlying emotional states, challenging the conventional view that treats these forms of sexual violence as fundamentally distinct. This research contributes to the development of tailored therapeutic interventions for patients in mandated care, offering insights into the emotional mechanisms underlying sexual violence and providing a foundation for future studies aimed at enhancing rehabilitation and treatment outcomes for offenders.