NCJ Number
173363
Journal
Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment Volume: 9 Issue: 1 Dated: January 1997 Pages: 29-55
Date Published
1997
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Twenty-eight adolescent sex offenders (ASOs) were compared with 33 conduct-disordered youth (CDs) and 34 control adolescents (CAs) on measures of stress, coping, problem behavior, and cognitive distortions.
Abstract
The ASO group was recruited from outpatient and inpatient sex offender programs, had been in treatment less than 2 months, and had no previous psychological intervention. The CD group was recruited from a group home facility and were at risk for juvenile delinquency, placement in a juvenile detention facility, or both. They had been in treatment for less than 2 months, had no treatment history, and had no history of sex offenses. The CA group consisted of male volunteers from a public high school. None had been charged with either a sexual or nonsexual crime. Data came from ratings by counselors acquainted with the participants, from the adolescents' files, and from questionnaires completed by the adolescents. CDs scored higher than ASOs on socialized aggression, aggressive coping, avoidance coping, and coping by engaging in sexual behavior. Measures of coping and problem behaviors successfully classified approximately 80 percent of ASOs and CDs. ASOs and CDs were similar to each other and higher than CAs on negative automatic thoughts; coping by seeking diversions and being with friends; and problem behaviors, including hyperactivity, anxiety, and conduct disorder. Reports of daily stress were similar for all groups, suggesting that clinical groups coped less adequately despite similar stressors. Tables and 39 references (Author abstract modified)