NCJ Number
199824
Date Published
2001
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study explored factors that might account for the differential re-offense risk in male child molesters based on victim gender and comparisons in terms of psychiatric co-morbidity and offender typology.
Abstract
In an attempt to understand differential re-offense risk, individualizing treatment within sex offender treatment programs, and in appropriate use of medication, this study explored the differences between male child molesters exclusively targeting males and male child molesters targeting female or both sexes on the MTC:CM3 typology, psychiatric co-morbidity, and measures of anger, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal skills. The study was comprised of 48 extrafamilial adult male child molesters, all determined mentally ill and imprisoned at a medium security institution in Austria. The sources of data included clinical interviews, prison records, and official records kept by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The 48 child molesters were divided into 2 groups on the basis of whether they had ever offended against female children or exclusively against male minors. Findings indicated that psychiatric co-morbidity did not differ significantly across groups except for the prevalence of alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse was found to be significantly higher in the female/mixed gender target group. On the measures of aggressiveness, anger, depression, anxiety, or social anxiety, no differences were found. Yet, exclusively male target offenders were found to be less socially competent and have high contact with children on the MTC:CM3 typology. Being higher on risk for re-offense but lower on risk for violent re-offense and also lower on risk for substance abuse may indicate that outpatient programs may be an appropriate recommendation for male target offenders who do not have an antisocial personality disorder. Study limitations need to account for the low sample size of male offenders. References