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The Sadistic Impulse and Relating to Others

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Abstract

This chapter explores the potential position of sadistic expression in interpersonal space. Sadism is a construct that has been viewed as being expressed through very limited interpersonal means, with non-sexual expressions receiving little attention in the psychological literature until recently. This chapter discusses research into sadism as a multifaceted construct that may be expressed through a variety of modalities. The authors present three measures of sadistic expression: personality, humour, and sexual fantasy. By incorporating the PROQ3 into this research, in-depth statistical investigation has shown that these modes of expression can be projected clearly into individual regions within interpersonal space. The chapter concludes with proposed directions for future research into sadism as a function of interpersonal relating.

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O’Meara, A., Hammond, S. (2016). The Sadistic Impulse and Relating to Others. In: Birtchnell, J., Newberry, M., Kalaitzaki, A. (eds) Relating Theory – Clinical and Forensic Applications. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-50459-3_21

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