The Development and Validation of the Antisocial Preferences Scale

The aim of this study was to create a new instrument measuring antisocial preferences based on the Theory of Social Derailment of Czesław Czapów, who indicated the role of antisocial preferences in predicting antisocial behavior. The measures used were the Antisocial Preferences Scale (APS), BPAQ, Mach-IV, and IVE questionnaires. The participants were 718 prisoners. CFA techniques were used to investigate the construct validity of the Antisocial Preferences Scale. Four alternative models of the APS were specified and tested, namely: one-factor, second-order, multi-factor, and bi-factor. CFA analyses revealed that the best-fitting model was the bifactor. This conceptualization contains seven subscales, namely: aggressiveness, lack of guilt or remorse, breaking legal norms, incapacity for mutually intimate relationships, impulsiveness, risk-taking, and egocentrism.

To Reoffend or Not to Reoffend? An Investigation of Recidivism Among Individuals With Sexual Offense Histories and Psychopathy

Although psychopathy is a well-established risk factor for recidivism among those who have committed sexual offenses, there are nonetheless some individuals with sexual offense histories who are high in psychopathy but do not recidivate. This population-nonrecidivating psychopathic sex offenders (NRP-SOs)-was the focus of the current investigation. Data from 111 individuals with sexual offense histories who received a Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) rating of at least 25 (suggesting the presence of psychopathy) were analyzed. With recidivism operationalized as the accrual of any new serious-that is, violent or sexual-charges, 39 recidivated (RP-SOs), whereas 72 did not (NRP-SOs). A logistic regression was conducted to assess whether NRP-SOs could be differentiated from RP-SOs. Being older at the time of release, a lesser criminal history, and being married predicted nonrecidivism. PCL-R factor scores and sexual deviance were not predictive. These findings highlight the heterogeneity that exists, even among those high in psychopathy.

The dark figure of sexual recidivism

Empirical studies of sexual offender recidivism have proliferated in recent decades. Virtually all of the studies define recidivism as a new legal charge or conviction for a sexual crime, and these studies tend to find recidivism rates of the order of 5-15% after 5 years and 10-25% after 10+ years. It is uncontroversial that such a definition of recidivism underestimates the true rate of sexual recidivism because most sexual crime is not reported to legal authorities, a principle known as the "dark figure of crime." To estimate the magnitude of the dark figure of sexual recidivism, this paper uses a probabilistic simulation approach in conjunction with the following: (i) victim self-report survey data about the rate of reporting sexual crime to legal authorities; (ii) offender self-report data about the number of victims per offender; and (iii) different assumptions about the chances of being convicted of a new sexual offense given that it is reported. Under any configuration of assumptions, the dark figure is substantial, and as a consequence the disparity between recidivism defined as a new legal charge or conviction for a sex crime and recidivism defined as actually committing a new sexual crime is large. These findings call into question the utility of recidivism studies that rely exclusively on official crime statistics to define sexual recidivism, and highlight the need for additional, long-term studies that use a variety of different measures to assess whether or not sexual recidivism has occurred.

Qualitative Analysis of Attitudes Toward Adult-Child Sexual Activity Among Minor-Attracted Persons

This study uses qualitative methodology to explore narrative responses to a question regarding the harmful versus beneficial effects of adult-child sex on children. Data were gathered from a survey of self-identified minor-attracted persons (MAPs). Two hundred and sixty-seven survey participants provided narrative responses. Results indicated a significant amount of variability in perceptions of harm and of mitigating or aggravating factors. Understanding the subjective perspectives of MAPs, the range of their attitudes, and the issues that they identify as pertinent is critically important for clinical efficacy in the treatment of pedophilia.

Elderly Sexual Offenders

With the ever-aging population, the number of elderly sexual offenders are also on the rise. The courts and correctional system are increasingly faced with older individuals who have offended sexually. Previously, these older offenders were thought to be similar to younger sexual offenders. However, closer analysis suggests that many of these individuals pose a much lower risk to recidivate than the risk to recidivate of their younger counterparts. Still, an individualized approach to manage the risk of older offenders is required, as some may have particular risk factors relevant for their treatment and future stability, such as dementia or other mental health issues. Further, this population often has particular physical health issues and requires special consideration when being placed in the community. Assessment, treatment, and risk management in this special population of sexual offenders are discussed.

Factors associated with treatment acceptance and compliance among incarcerated male sex offenders

The files of sex offenders who had been offered treatment at a medium-security state prison were divided into three groups: treatment refusal (n = 59), treatment noncompliance (n = 61), and treatment compliance (n = 36). Demographic, offense-related, clinical, and psychological assessment data were collected. Significant differences were found between groups on years to parole eligibility; plea; relation to victim; childhood sexual victimization; and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Variable Response Inconsistency (VRIN), Lie (L), and Masculinity-Femininity (Mf) scale scores. Logistic regression analyses revealed that significant predictors of treatment refusal include increased time until parole eligibility and lower VRIN and Mf scores (vs. noncompliant) as well as no history of childhood sexual victimization and higher L scores (vs. compliant). Having entered a not-guilty plea was the only significant predictor of noncompliance among those who initially accepted treatment. These findings are discussed in relation to previous studies of sex offender treatment compliance and directions for future research.

Looking forward in Records of Young Adults Convicted of Sexual Homicide, Rape, or Molestation as Youth: Risks for Reoffending

To assess the risks predicting reoffense, 223 Rapists ( M age = 14.2 yr., SD = 1.5; 25 girls, 198 boys) were matched with 223 Nonviolent Delinquents; risks were analyzed using logistic regression. The one predictor was prior court contacts ( OR = 1.55e+12; AUC = .99, 95%CI = .98−.99). 223 Molesters were similarly matched with 223 Nonviolent Delinquents; this comparison yielded three predictors: previous court contacts ( OR = 4.55e+23), poorer executive function ( OR = 2.01), and lower social maturity ( OR = .97; AUC = .98, 95% CI = .97−.99). Records for all cases (now M age = 24.2 yr., SD = 1.4) were reviewed forward 10 years and youth were classified into groups: Sexual Homicidal (1%, n = 7), Delinquent Rapists Later Adult Rapists (11%, n = 73), Delinquent Rapists (21%, n = 144), Delinquent Molesters Later Adult Molesters (10%, n = 69), Delinquent Molesters (23%, n = 153), Nonviolent Delinquent Later Nonviolent Adult Criminals (7%, n = 45), and Nonviolent Delinquents (27%, n = 178). Comparison of Sexual Homicidal cases ( n = 7) with their matched Controls ( n = 7) yielded one predictor, poorer executive function ( AUC = .89, 95 % CI = .71−.93). When Sexual Homicidal cases were matched with Nonviolent Delinquents, predictors were low social maturity and prior court contacts ( AUC = .81, 95%CI= .64−.93).

Female and male sex offenders: a comparison of recidivism patterns and risk factors

Few studies have empirically validated the assertion that female and male sex offenders are vastly different. Therefore, utilizing a matched sample of 780 female and male sex offenders in New York State, the current study explored differences and similarities of recidivism patterns and risk factors for the two offender groups. Results suggested that male sex offenders were significantly more likely than female sex offenders to be rearrested for both sexual and nonsexual offenses. However, limited differences in terms of risk factors between female and male sex offenders were found.

Sex offender care for adolescents in secure care: critical factors and counseling strategies

Sexual offenses perpetrated by adolescents have reportedly reached epidemic proportions. Adolescent sex offenders have been transferred to secure care facilities for their primary care. The elevated awareness and recognition of the problematic growth of adolescent sexual offenses has stimulated discussion among psychologists concerning the etiology, characteristics, classification, assessment, treatment interventions, and risk of recidivism. This article explores the critical factors and counseling strategies of those adolescents who have been adjudicated of sexual offenses.

Behavioral and psychopharmacological treatment of the paraphilic and hypersexual disorders

In this article, the second of a two-part series, the authors present information on the clinical assessment of individuals with paraphilias and hypersexual disorders. They review ethical considerations in the assessment and treatment of individuals with paraphilias. The role of interview and subjective and objective instruments in the assessment of individuals with paraphilias and hypersexual disorders is discussed. The authors discuss the use of penile plethysmography or phallometry, polygraphy, and viewing time assessments. Risk assessment of sexual offenders is reviewed. The authors then discuss behavioral, environmental, and psychopharmacological treatments for paraphilias and hypersexual disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy appears to be the most effective nonpharmacological strategy. The authors describe cognitive-behavioral techniques for decreasing and/or controlling sexual urges (e.g., satiation, covert sensitization, fading, cognitive restructuring, victim empathy therapy) as well as methods for enhancing appropriate sexual interest and arousal (e.g., social skills training, assertiveness skills training, sex education, couples therapy). The authors also discuss the role of relapse prevention therapy and 12-step programs, as well as other nonbiological therapies such as surveillance networks. The importance of providing appropriate treatment for comorbid conditions (e.g., depression, substance abuse or dependence) is stressed. The authors then review psychopharmacological treatments, including serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) and antiandrogens, in particular, the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GNRH) agonists. SRIs have been studied in these disorders in an uncontrolled way and appear promising. Earlier antiandrogens (e.g., estrogen, progesterone, and cyproterone acetate) have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of paraphilias. The newer GNRH agonists have the advantage over the earlier treatments of being available in long-acting depot formulations and having fewer side effects. Preliminary studies and case reports with these agents appear promising. Further study of both the SRIs and GNRH agonists in these disorders is needed. The article concludes with a treatment algorithm, in which the authors suggest beginning with less restrictive treatments (e.g., behavioral or verbal therapies), if possible, and moving to more restrictive alternatives (e.g., biological therapies, institutionalization) as needed. A guide for clinicians and patients about where and how to find appropriate clinicians and treatment resources in the United States is provided.

Predictors of recidivism in Australian juvenile sex offenders: implications for treatment

Juvenile sex offenders charged with their first sexual offense were compared with recidivist juvenile sex offenders who had been charged with more than one sexual offense on a number of factors related to sexual offending. Participants were 70 male juvenile sex offenders, aged 13-21 years who were awaiting court disposition. Negative family history, negative family characteristics, school and learning problems, social skill deficits, deviant sexual experiences, deviant sexual fantasies, and cognitive distortions were assessed for their direct and mediating roles in recidivism. Path analysis indicated that poor social skills, learning problems, and deviant sexual experiences were causally related to recidivism of sexual offending. Poor social skills were directly related to recidivism, whereas cognitive distortions and deviant sexual fantasies mediated the role of learning problems and deviant sexual experiences. There was a significant association between deviant sexual experience and learning problems. The findings support the role of cognitive distortions and deviant sexual fantasies in recidivist sexual offending for this sample. The causal role identified for poor social skills and learning problems in recidivism for sexual offending has implications for treatment and therefore deserves further attention.