NCJ Number
243097
Date Published
2011
Length
7 pages
Annotation
New research in neurobiology and self-esteem regulation has stirred new interest in analytical concepts and how they can be applied to better understand sex offenders; this chapter discusses the integration of these approaches.
Abstract
Research on interpersonal neurobiology suggests that although an intimate interconnection to others helps with emotional regulation, an intimate interconnection between our brains and minds can directly impact emotional regulation and provide long-term emotional and behavioral stability. Research on the restoration of self-esteem through affirming intimate connections with others can weaken the need to restore self-esteem through narcissistic sexually exploitative behavior and can make a significant contribution in reducing recidivism in sex offenders. Siegel (2001) proposes that interpersonal emotional relationships may not only be encoded in the brain, but may shape the neurons that create the mind. His work suggests that psychological trauma disrupts neurological integration of the flow in information from the right to left hemisphere of the brain. This interferes with the brain processing and integrating the traumatic event in the prefrontal cortex, where self-regulation, response flexibility, and morality occur. In the absence of secure attachments in interpersonal relationships, more impulsive and compulsive behaviors are used to bolster and stabilize self-esteem. Positive self-esteem maximizes behavioral management in accordance with internalized values and morality. This perspective, which integrates the findings of neurobiology and self-esteem regulation, is applied to the interpersonal dimension of relapse prevention for sex offenders. The chapter proposes five treatment goals for addressing fragile and unstable self-esteem as a risk factor for relapse into sexual offending. 12 references