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Miller HA, Toman EL, Pederson K. The Synergistic Effects of Risk-Principle Adherence in the Supervision and Treatment of Individuals Who Have Sexually Offended. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2024:306624X241246098. [PMID: 38622829 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x241246098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Prior literature highlights the effectiveness of the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) risk principle when providing community supervision and treatment to general justice-involved individuals and special populations such as individuals convicted of a sexual offense. Individuals deemed high-risk, per risk assessment, should receive the most intensive levels of community supervision and treatment, while individuals classified as low risk should receive the lowest intensity. Research in support for the risk principle finds adherence decreased recidivism rates and increased probation compliance. The current study assesses the effects of adhering (or not) to the risk principle in supervision levels and treatment dosage on the compliance of individuals on probation for a sexual offense (N = 133). Overall, results support risk principle adherence for individuals, with increasing adherence levels associated with significantly more compliance, and non-adherence resulting in adverse outcomes. Implications for policy and practice in the supervision and treatment of individuals with a sexual offense are discussed.
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Holper L, Mokros A, Habermeyer E. Moderators of Sexual Recidivism as Indicator of Treatment Effectiveness in Persons With Sexual Offense Histories: An Updated Meta-analysis. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2024; 36:255-291. [PMID: 36927218 PMCID: PMC10880427 DOI: 10.1177/10790632231159071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The present meta-analysis is an update of the meta-analysis by Schmucker and Lösel [Campbell Syst. Rev. 2017; 13: 1-75], which synthesized evidence on sexual recidivism as an indicator of treatment effectiveness in persons with sexual offense histories. The updated meta-analysis includes 37 samples comprising a total of 30,394 individuals with sexual offense histories, which is nearly three times the sample size reported by Schmucker and Lösel (2017: 28 samples, N = 9781). In line with Schmucker and Lösel (2017), the mean treatment effect was small with an odds ratio of 1.54 [95% CI 1.22, 1.95] (p < .001). A moderator analysis suggested three predictors of importance, i.e., risk level, treatment specialization, and author confounding. Greater treatment effectiveness was suggested in high- and medium-compared to low-risk individuals and in specialized compared to non-specialized treatments. Authors affiliated with treatment programs reported larger effectiveness than independent authors. These findings were overall in line with Schmucker and Lösel (2017), though the effects of risk level and treatment specialization were stronger in the current meta-analysis. The findings of the updated meta-analysis reinforce the evidence for the first and second principle of the Risk-Need-Responsivity model. The results may support researchers and decision-makers in interpreting the current evidence on sexual recidivism as an indicator of treatment effectiveness, and, based on that, implement and carry out informative, methodologically sound evaluations of ongoing treatment programs in persons with sexual offense histories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Holper
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Mokros
- Department of Psychology, FernUniversität in Hagen, Hagen, Germany
| | - Elmar Habermeyer
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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3
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Gubbels J, Assink M, van der Put CE. Protective Factors for Antisocial Behavior in Youth: What is the Meta-Analytic Evidence? J Youth Adolesc 2024; 53:233-257. [PMID: 37794287 PMCID: PMC10764587 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-023-01878-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Although both risk and protective factors are important components of etiological theories for antisocial behavior, far less is known about protective factors and their impact. This review summarized primary studies on the impact of different protective factors for antisocial behavior in youth. In total, 305 studies reporting on 1850 potentially protective factors were included. Each extracted factor was first classified into one of 77 mutually exclusive groups of similar factors (referred to as domains), after which a three-level meta-analysis was conducted to determine the protective effect of each domain. A significant and negative effect was found for 50 domains, which were therefore designated as being truly protective. The largest impact (r < -0.20) was found for higher levels of conservativeness, self-transcendence, life satisfaction, involvement in romantic relationships, the capacity to reflect or mentalize, peer relationships quality, prosocial peers, prosocial values, agreeableness, school self-esteem, parental control, general resilience, and social skills. Analyses revealed that the impact of some of the 77 domains was moderated by the youth's age (five domains) and gender (four domains) as well as the severity of antisocial behavior they exhibit (two domains), indicating that the impact of these domains differs across subgroups of antisocial youth. Given the substantial number of factors that were identified as being protective for antisocial behavior in youth, this study discusses implications for future directions, assessment strategies, and (preventive) interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Gubbels
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 127, 1018 WS, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Mark Assink
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 127, 1018 WS, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia E van der Put
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 127, 1018 WS, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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4
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Harada T, Nomura K, Shimada H, Kawakami N. Development of a risk assessment tool for Japanese sex offenders: The Japanese Static-99. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2023; 43:496-504. [PMID: 36915995 PMCID: PMC10739125 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In Japan, sexual offending, especially paraphilic sexual offending, has become a major problem, and approximately 3000 people are arrested for frotteuristic and voyeuristic behavior each year. Considering the repetitive nature of such behaviors, determining the recidivism risk is imperative. Globally, Static-99 is one of the most widely used actuarial risk assessment tools to predict recidivism among sex offenders. However, sexual offending is largely influenced by social and cultural backgrounds, and whether risk factors identified in the West are applicable to other countries is unknown. Therefore, we developed a Japanese version of the Static-99 and examined its reliability and validity with 167 Japanese paraphilic sex offenders. The results showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient = 0.88) and predictive accuracy (area under the curve = 0.76). The results indicate that the Japanese Static-99 can be used with Japanese sex offenders. Moreover, risk factors identified in the Western context are applicable to Japanese sex offenders despite the different nature and manifestations of their offending.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Harada
- Faculty of Human SciencesUniversity of TsukubaTokyoJapan
- University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Kazutaka Nomura
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato UniversityKanagawaJapan
| | | | - Norito Kawakami
- Department or Digital Mental HealthGraduate School of Medicine, The University of TokyoTokyoJapan
- Junpukai FoundationOkayamaJapan
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5
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Rocha ICO, Valença AM. The efficacy of CBT based interventions to sexual offenders: A systematic review of the last decade literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2023; 87:101856. [PMID: 36599224 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2022.101856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Sexual violence is a significant public health problem and a devastating issue for mental health throughout the world. Clinicians and researchers have worked, over the last decades, to develop effective strategies aimed at reducing sexual abuse rates. Multiple treatment approaches for sex offenders have been developed, with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) been the most widely used therapy model with recognized effectiveness. In this sense, the present study aimed to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of CBT based interventions in the treatment of individuals convicted of sexual crimes. For this purpose, a systematic review of articles published between 2012 and 2022 was carried out in the databases Pubmed, Science Direct, APA PsycNet and Scielo, with the keywords "cognitive behavioral therapy", "CBT", "sexual offender", "sexual crimes" and others. As a result, eight studies were selected that met the defined inclusion criteria. Cognitive-behavioral interventions have shown great promise in reducing sexual crime recidivism and improving self-control, emotional regulation, intra and interpersonal social skills, supporting the hypothesis that CBT may be a promising model of intervention in forensic settings with sex offenders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Carvalho Oliveira Rocha
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Psychiatry Institute (IPUB), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Venceslau Brás, 71, Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22290-140, Brazil.
| | - Alexandre Martins Valença
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Psychiatry Institute (IPUB), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Venceslau Brás, 71, Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22290-140, Brazil
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6
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Snacken S, Devynck C, Uzieblo K. Dignity, Social Reintegration of Prisoners, and the New Penal Power: European Human Rights, Experiences of Belgian Prisoners, and Professional Practices. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2022; 66:980-1000. [PMID: 35583110 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x221099489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Over the last 30 years, prisoners' dignity and fundamental rights have increasingly been protected by European human rights bodies such as the European Court of Human Rights and the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. This protection is aimed particularly at the traditional power relations between prisoners and uniformed staff. More recently, social reintegration of prisoners has also been recognized by these European human rights standards as a fundamental element of human dignity and an equally important aim of imprisonment as retribution and deterrence. However, it is also accepted that some offenders may be too dangerous to be returned back to society. Psychiatric/psychological assessments are a major element in this decision-making. This "new penal power" receives much less attention in human rights protection. This article compares three intertwining perspectives on this issue: the European human rights perspective on dignity and social reintegration; the experiences and mental suffering of Belgian prisoners who find themselves being stuck in prison as a result of structural problems in the risk assessment and risk management practices; and the professional perspective on how professional standards and good practices based on scientific insights might alleviate some of these threats to human dignity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Snacken
- Department of Criminology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
| | | | - Kasia Uzieblo
- Department of Criminology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
- The Forensic Care Specialists, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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7
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Carr AE, Willis GM. Balancing Political and Criminogenic Needs: Evaluating the New Zealand Department of Corrections' Response to Men Assessed With a Below Average Risk for Sexual Recidivism. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2022; 34:456-482. [PMID: 34553666 DOI: 10.1177/10790632211042365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Current research provides little evidence for the effectiveness of treatment in reducing sexual offence recidivism amongst low-risk populations. However, in real-world correctional settings, program delivery rarely occurs in a vacuum, treatment may be politically mandated and unidimensional measures of program success may preclude recognition of broader benefits. The current study investigated the effectiveness of a low-intensity treatment program, both in terms of participants' recidivism outcomes and in terms of broader organizational/systems impacts. The results demonstrated low base rate recidivism across both program participants (n = 311) and a comparison group of men who were assessed as demonstrating similar static sexual offence recidivism risk (n = 391), and little evidence of reduced recidivism following treatment. However, program administration led to many potential participants being identified as demonstrating higher levels of dynamic risk and overridden to more intensive treatment options (n = 101). Given evidence that such options do effectively reduce recidivism in higher risk populations, these findings may suggest an overall positive net effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela E Carr
- School of Psychology, 1415University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gwenda M Willis
- School of Psychology, 1415University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Grady MD, Levenson JS, Glover J, Kavanagh S, Carter K. “Hurt people hurt other people”: The link between past trauma and sexual offending. SEXUAL OFFENDING 2022. [DOI: 10.5964/sotrap.7361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
A growing body of research documents the high rates of trauma among individuals who have sexually offended. Yet the relationship between prior victimization and subsequent sexual offending remained unclear. Objective: By including the voices and perspectives of individuals convicted of sexual offenses, we sought to strengthen professionals’ understanding of the connection between victimization and offending.
Method
This qualitative study used an online survey to collect data from individuals convicted of sexual offenses (n = 195) with the aims of understanding their perceptions of the link between trauma and offending and what they would like sex-offense treatment providers to know about this connection.
Results
Using grounded theory, five major themes emerged from the data analysis: Relationship between Trauma Offending (n = 91), Acknowledging the Connection (n = 57), Specific Effects of Trauma (n = 48), Individualized Treatment (n = 34), and Recognition of Humanity (n = 26).
Conclusions
The participants perceived a strong connection between one’s own victimization and subsequent sexual offending. In addition, they offered specific recommendations for treatment providers, including individualizing treatment with an emphasis on humanity and compassion. Implications for trauma-informed practice and policy are discussed.
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Barros S, Oliveira C, Araújo E, Moreira D, Almeida F, Santos A. Community intervention programs for sex offenders: A systematic review. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:949899. [PMID: 36506440 PMCID: PMC9729871 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.949899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual violence is a phenomenon that negatively impacts the victims' physical and psychological health and well-being. Sex offenders tend not to take responsibility for their actions, have difficulties in emotion regulation and impulse control, paraphilias or other disorders, so they are a difficult group to treat. In addition, the available psychological treatment programs tend to have inconsistent and, sometimes, undesirable results. This systematic review aimed to analyse the recidivism rates of sex offenders treated in community settings. According to the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search in three databases, EBSCOhost, PubMed, and Web of Science, and a manual search was performed. A total of 319 empirical studies using quantitative methodologies were identified, 27 of which were selected for full-text analysis. In the end, 15 studies were included, published between 1996 and 2020. The objectives, intervention approach, instruments used, and the main results and conclusions were extracted from each study. The studies explored different types of sex offenders, such as: violent sex offenders (e.g., rapists), child abusers, and child abusers with pedophilia (and/or other paraphilias). Results showed that most of the programs had a cognitive-behavioral approach (n = 13). Overall, the interventions appear to be effective in reducing recidivism rates, and some of them led to improvements in other outcomes, such as cognitive distortions, accepting responsibility, victim awareness and empathy, emotional regulation, and offense supportive attitudes. Limitations and implications for future studies were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Barros
- Department of Social Sciences and Behavior, University of Maia, Maia, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Oliveira
- Department of Social Sciences and Behavior, University of Maia, Maia, Portugal.,Center for Psychology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Araújo
- Department of Social Sciences and Behavior, University of Maia, Maia, Portugal
| | - Diana Moreira
- Centre for Philosophical and Humanistic Studies, Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Psychology and Neuropsychology of Porto-IPNP Health, Porto, Portugal.,Centro de Solidariedade de Braga/Projecto Homem, Braga, Portugal
| | - Fernando Almeida
- Department of Social Sciences and Behavior, University of Maia, Maia, Portugal.,Hospital Lusíadas Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto-i3S, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar-ICBAS, Porto, Portugal
| | - Anita Santos
- Department of Social Sciences and Behavior, University of Maia, Maia, Portugal.,Center for Psychology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Keulen-de Vos M, Benbouriche M. Early Treatment Change in Perpetrators of Sexual Versus Non-Sexual Violence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2021:306624X211065578. [PMID: 34920679 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x211065578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to assess treatment change at both a group and individual level in a sample of 81 Dutch male patients who received mandated care for either violent (non-sexual) behavior or sexual violent behavior. Psychiatric nurses rated patients' social skills, insight, hostility, physical violence with the BEST-Index every 6 months over the course of 2 years after patients were admitted to hospital. Mixed analysis of covariances and the reliable change index indicated that patients, irrespective of offense type, showed treatment change over time with exception of physical violence. This study shows that general treatment may be useful in the first 18 month for risk factors common to different types of offenses, but that specialized treatment is needed to establish further change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marije Keulen-de Vos
- De Rooyse Wissel, Venray, The Netherlands
- Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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11
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Marshall WL. Effective psychological treatment of adult male sexual offenders. SEXUAL OFFENDING 2021. [DOI: 10.5964/sotrap.7473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper describes psychological approaches to the treatment of sexual offenders. The empirically generated principles of effective treatment are outlined followed by the identification of the evidence-based issues that need to be addressed. The established important role of the therapists’ behaviors during treatment is then described along with the effectiveness of recruitment strategies and of tactics aimed at ensuring all entrants complete the program. Meta-analytic reports describing treatment efficacy are considered followed by an outline of the appraisal of the effectiveness of two large scale independent treatment programs. Finally, a brief description of a cost-benefit report indicates that when treatment of sexual offenders effectively reduces re-offense rates, it also saves a considerable amount of taxpayers’ money.
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12
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Olver ME, Stockdale KC. Sexual Violence Risk Assessment With Indigenous Men: Context, Controversies, and Current Findings. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2021; 23:48. [PMID: 34196806 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-021-01261-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We review the issues, controversies, and main findings from the sexual violence risk assessment literature with Indigenous men. An argument is presented for the incorporation of structured and validated risk assessment measures as part of a comprehensive assessment to inform risk management and the prevention of sexual violence. RECENT FINDINGS Extant research demonstrates that Canadian Indigenous men convicted for sexual offenses tend to score higher on sexual violence risk measures and to have higher rates of sexual and violent recidivism. Established static and dynamic tools, however, have moderate predictive accuracy for sexual and violent recidivism and changes in risk from treatment or other change agents are associated with decreases in recidivism. Static-99R and the Violence Risk Scale-Sexual Offense version demonstrate acceptable properties of calibration for indigenous men with respect to sexual recidivism, although Indigenous men continue to show higher rates of violent recidivism associated with risk scores. The extant literature provides support for the discrimination and calibration properties of established static and dynamic sexual violence risk tools with Indigenous men; use of a dynamic tool is critical to inform risk management interventions and evaluate change. Risk measures are one component of a comprehensive and integrated assessment process that incorporates responsivity considerations, conducted in a culturally competent, ethical, and humane manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Olver
- University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
| | - Keira C Stockdale
- Saskatoon Police Service and University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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13
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We review and synthesize the literature on the effectiveness of offense-focused treatment for sexual offending. Specifically, we consider whether the extant literature suggests treatment is effective in reducing sexual reoffending and features of effective interventions. We also consider how the design of program evaluations may influence treatment outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS Recent research suggests that offense-focused psychological treatment for sexual offending shows some level of effectiveness in reducing both sexual and general reoffending. Further, there appear to be key program, individual, and study design features associated with treatment effectiveness. Although recent findings paint an optimistic outlook for offense-focused psychological treatment for sexual offending, further high-quality differential studies are needed to fully understand the range of content, delivery, and individual factors associated with successful treatment outcomes so as to establish what works best for whom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichola Tyler
- School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140 New Zealand
| | - Theresa A. Gannon
- Centre of Research and Education in Forensic Psychology (CORE-FP), School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NZ UK
| | - Mark E. Olver
- Department of Psychology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A5 Canada
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14
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von Franqué F, Briken P. Mandated or Voluntary Treatment of Men Who Committed Child Sexual Abuse: Is There a Difference? Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:708210. [PMID: 34658952 PMCID: PMC8514720 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.708210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Child sexual abuse is associated with multiple and often severe consequences for people who are affected by it. From the perspective of indicative prevention, the treatment of people who have sexually abused children represents one important strategy, with the assumption that there is often a risk for sexual recidivism. However, there is still very limited knowledge about how men who have not been convicted of child sexual abuse but participate in voluntary treatment (here called non-forensic clients) differ from those who have been convicted and undergo mandated treatment (here called forensic clients). This study compared 22 forensic and 22 non-forensic clients regarding pedophilic interests, static and dynamic risk factors, responsivity features, and treatment progress during an individualized treatment based on the principles of risk, need, and responsivity. We found neither differences in the rates in the DSM-5 diagnosis of pedophilic disorder, nor in risk and responsivity associated scores at the beginning of treatment. In both groups, a low to moderate risk for sexual re-offending was estimated. Both groups improved their functioning on dynamic risk and responsivity factors under treatment, while age at the beginning of therapy also had a positive effect on all outcomes. Non-forensic clients had a higher amount of responsivity associated resources than forensic clients during treatment. The limitations of these results and their implications for further research and prevention approaches are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fritjof von Franqué
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peer Briken
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this paper is to provide a history of psychological theories, research, and treatment of male sex offenders from the onset of modern approaches that emerged in the 1960s up to the present time. The questions addressed in this paper primarily concern the reasons and justifications for the observed changes. RECENT FINDINGS Current conceptualizations of the motivations of sex offenders are quite comprehensive with a central focus on deficits in attachment and coping skills. Research now provides an empirical foundation for the issues to be addressed in treatment and for the manner in which treatment is delivered. Advances in theory and research have brought the field of sex offender treatment to the point where the empirical bases point to a structure that, if followed, seem likely to achieve the goal of reduced recidivism.
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