SEXUAL FANTASY

This article reviews the research literature on sexual fantasy, a cent ral aspect of human sexual behavior. Topics include (a) gender similar ities and differences in the incidence, frequency, and content of sexu al fantasies and how they relate to sociocultural and sociobiological theories of sexual behavior; (b) the association between frequency or content of sexual fantasies and variables such as age, sexual adjustme nt and satisfaction, guilt, sexual orientation, personality, and sexua l experience; and (c) ''deviant'' sexual fantasies (i.e., what they ar e, whether they play a role in the commission of sexual crimes, and wh ether they can be modified). The article ends with a summary of major findings and suggestions for future research.