19/03/2024
YOUR SISTER WANTS TO MARRY A SERIAL KILLER…!!!
Heaven forbid, you might be thinking; but I was reminded of the psychological disorder of hybristophilia after reading a Sunday article on women marrying offenders incarcerated for serious crimes, without explaining why, other than the fact that they “were in love.” There are several explanations for this phenomenon…
Firstly, hybristophilia is a paraphilia through which the “sufferer” is sexually aroused by unusual fantasies (APA). Such individuals appear to have a sexual interest in those who commit (often serious) crimes, hence extremely violent prisoners tend to get lots of mail; often from around the world when their cases have made international news. Some of them get married whilst knowing they will never be released.
There is no socio-economic grouping for this form of psychosis, but it is a condition that predominantly affects women.
Secondly, there are those who do not appear to suffer from hybristophilia, but whose interest in the incarcerated individual stems from being abused themselves, and being in such a relationship gives her a sense of control over the situation, something she has not had with previous, often violent relationships. This one she deems safe.
Thirdly, there are individuals, again this is predominantly a female thing, who want to have the sense of being in a relationship, but without all the hassles that couples endure. He is in a distant place, secured, and she can live her life as she pleases, “whilst involved, or even married.” To her, that is the perfect relationship!
There are several other explanations for this behaviour, but in the event that one’s sister does wish to marry such an individual, then the answer is usually some form of psychiatric intervention.
Anthony Hegarty MSc
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