NCJ Number
204242
Journal
Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2004 Pages: 37-47
Date Published
January 2004
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study examined parental sensitivity (warmth and autonomy), relational attitude (trust, friendship, and adult romantic attachment), and personality disorders in the etiology of sexual offenses among a group of 84 male child molesters and a matched normal control group (n=80).
Abstract
The sample was recruited between November 1999 and February 2001 from either an educational training program as an alternative sanction (n=51) or a Belgian prison (n=33). Forty-one of the participants were family-related child molesters, and 43 were extrafamilial child molesters. Control subjects were matched on the variables of age, marital status, employment status, and educational level. A chi-square analysis found no significant differences between the two groups on the matching variables. The Adult Attachment Scale measured the adult romantic attachment style; the Parental Bonding Instrument measured parental sensitivity; and the Erickson Psychosocial Stage Inventory Trust Subscale measured self-trust and the subjective feeling of self-control, as well as trust in others or the world in general. The analysis found a positive significant relationship between parental sensitivity during the childhood of the child molester and trust and secure attachment in adulthood. The relationship between relational attitude and personality disorders was strongly positive. Relational attitude contributed equally to the explanation of pedosexual behavior (21 percent) as did personality disorder (20 percent). These results are consistent with other research that has shown the importance of interpersonal factors (trust, intimacy, and adult attachment style) in the development of child-molestation behaviors. The analysis, however, left 80 percent of the variance between the experimental and control groups unexplained. This indicates that other factors not included in the analysis had a significant role in the etiology of sexual delinquent behavior. The finding that child molesters have relationship deficits should encourage therapists to carefully consider their interpersonal approach in working with these offenders. Through a positive relationship with the therapist, the client comes to a more enlightened understanding of his own history of development; however, treatment can also integrate cognitive techniques, such as relapse prevention training. 3 figures, 1 table, and 44 references