Förster, Hannah (2025) The Impact of Oxytocin Receptor Polymorphisms on Bonding Dysfunctions in Male Sexual Offenders. Master thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Although bonding deficiencies are frequently observed in male sexual offenders, little is known about the biological factors at play. This narrative literature review investigates how bonding impairments are shaped by oxytocin receptor (OXTR) dysfunctions in this population and considers the viability of potential treatment with intranasal OXT. Focusing on key polymorphisms (rs53576, rs2254298, rs1042776), the review synthesises findings linking OXTR to bonding, attachment, and emotional regulation, often moderated by early-life stress. Although individual studies point to links between genetic variation and bonding-related behaviours, most meta-analyses report small and inconsistent effects (Bakermans-Kranenburg & van IJzendoorn, 2014; Gong et al., 2017, 2020; Poore & Waldman, 2020). Research directly addressing OXTR in sexual offenders is limited and largely indirect due to overlapping populations or characteristics, which leaves room for rather speculative conclusions. The review also investigates intranasal OXT as a potential treatment, highlighting its dependence on context and genotype. Overall, findings support a biopsychosocial perspective, where genetic sensitivity potentially interacts with environmental factors to influence bonding. Understanding these mechanisms should be further investigated through experimental research, where findings could lead to ethically sensitive treatment approaches for sexual offenders.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Lancel, M. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | Clinical Forensic Psychology and Victimology (FP) [Master Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 04 Jul 2025 14:37 |
| Last Modified: | 04 Jul 2025 14:37 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/5292 |
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