Alexandra Zidenberg: Exploring the depths of the human psyche

A passion born of curiosity

Zidenberg's path to criminology started after a sudden change of heart. After initially enrolling in biology, she had an epiphany on the eve of starting her university studies. "One day in July, I woke up and realized that biology wasn't for me," she recalled.

Out of curiosity, she enrolled in the new forensic psychology program at Ontario Tech University in Oshawa, becoming part of its first graduating class. The change of direction proved serendipitous, as it was there that Zidenberg discovered her passion.

"The courses on sexual violence piqued my curiosity and left me with so many questions," said Zidenberg. "It motivated me to continue my studies."

She went on to earn a master's degree in experimental psychology at Laurentian University in Sudbury and then, in 2021, completed a Ph.D. in applied social psychology at the University of Saskatchewan.

From zoophilia to incel

Zidenberg's research explores the links between human sexuality and forensic psychology. Her Ph.D. thesis, which focused on paraphilia and specifically zoophilia (sexual interest in animals), led to two publications, one on veterinary professionals' knowledge of animal sexual abuse and another on the behaviour and attitudes of individuals who identify as zoophiles.

For the first study, Zidenberg recruited 98 veterinary professionals to answer a questionnaire on animal sexual abuse. Her analysis showed a lack of knowledge about animal sexual abuse, a lack of specific training, and a focus on protecting clients and patients.

The second study involved approximately 1,400 participants, half of whom identified as zoophiles. Zidenberg developed a tool for measuring sexual interest in animals, classified into four categories: animal lovers who desire sexual contact with animals, individuals who are not necessarily sexually attracted to animals but might engage in sexual contact if the opportunity arose, people with an interest in zoosadism or zoonecrophilia, and people who wear animal costumes during sex.

Turning to online communities

Zidenberg has become adept at navigating complex and sensitive areas of research. To find participants for her study of zoophiles, she worked closely with moderators of online zoophilia communities and incorporated their suggestions on how to improve her questionnaire and facilitate recruitment.

Zidenberg has also researched involuntary celibates, or "incels," to explore the relationship between involuntary celibacy, mental health and propensity to violent behaviour. She found a high incidence of mental illness and marked social isolation in these individuals.

"Criminology is a very important field of study because different types of crimes exist in all societies," said Zidenberg, who is particularly interested in sexual assault. "To prevent harm, we need to understand the behaviour of offenders and the motivations behind their actions, which are committed despite knowing the potential consequences."

Rich and varied teaching experience

Zidenberg has taught in both English and French at several universities since 2019, including the University of Saskatchewan, King's University College in London, Ontario and the Royal Military College in Kingston. Her decision to pursue her career in Montreal is no coincidence: she lived here while doing a postdoc at McGill University.

Zidenberg brings a unique perspective on the study of criminology to her new position at Université de Montréal, where she begins teaching in September. Her combination of scientific rigour and sensitivity to delicate subjects promises to enrich the fields of forensic psychology and criminology.