This thesis proposes a theoretical model of sexual thoughts and fantasies; the Dual-Process of Sexual Thinking (DPM-ST). In brief, the DPM-ST argues that associative processes generate spontaneous sexual thoughts, whereas controlled processes underlie the act of sexual fantasising. The empirical chapters aimed to empirically test some of the DPM-ST's main assumptions using offender and non-offender samples. In Chapter 3, support was found for the hypothesis that child abusers hold distorted sex-related associations. The results of Chapter 4 supported the idea that the use of deviant sexual fantasies is more likely if individuals have a greater proclivity to fantasise and hold explicit attitudes related to the deviant sexual fantasy. Chapter 5 supported the hypothesis that sexual fantasising is a controlled process requiring working memory resources. The results of Chapter 6 did not support the hypothesis that sexually fantasising about dominance activates 'self-powerful' associations. In Chapter 7, the results supported the hypothesis that abusers who repeatedly use sexual fantasies about children hold a stronger association between 'children' and 'sexual fantasy'. Finally, Chapter 8 concluded the thesis by discussing the findings in terms of their theoretical and clinical implications. The limitations of the thesis are also outlined, along with various ideas for future research
