Sex Differences in Homicidal Fantasies among Finnish University Students

Laura Auvinen-Lintunen^1,2*, Helinä Häkkänen-Nyholm², Tuula Ilonen³, Roope Tikkanen⁴

¹Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
²Institute of Behavioural Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
³University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
⁴Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

DOI: 10.4236/psych.2015.61004                

Abstract

Homicidal behavior is sex-linked. But research comparing male and female homicidal fantasies is sparse even though there is a potential link between fantasies and behavior. The aim of this study was to examine the frequency and contents of homicidal fantasies (targets, triggers, instruments, and emotional reactions) and their relation to substance abuse among 617 Finnish university students (mean age 24.2 years) contingent on gender. Sixty seven percent (n = 413) of respondents reported that they had experienced generally non-substance abuse-dependent homicidal fantasies during their lifetime. Males reported homicidal fantasies more frequently than females. Male fantasies involved the use of a weapon or tool and their fantasies frequently targeted a stranger, an acquaintance, or a public figure whereas female fantasies targeted intimate relationships such as family members or partners. Females reacted with negative emotions to their own homicidal fantasies but males lacked emotional response. Results suggest that homicidal fantasies are sexlinked.

Keywords

Homicidal Fantasies, Sex Differences, Aggression, Emotional Reactions, University Students

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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