NCJ Number
208609
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 49 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2005 Pages: 82-106
Date Published
February 2005
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This study identified variables that indicate a progression of sexual offending behavior in juvenile male sex offenders.
Abstract
The management of juvenile sex offenders has become increasingly punitive, while rehabilitative efforts have been curtailed or rendered excessively punitive. In order to properly treat juvenile sex offenders, it is necessary to differentiate groups of offenders according to their risk level. The current study examined the value of using dynamic attitudinal and psychosocial self-report instruments to differentiate groups of juvenile sex offenders who differed on established static measures of risk, such as history of violence and prior arrests. If these self-report instruments can successfully differentiate groups of juvenile sex offenders by risk level, they have value for guiding the placements and treatment of this population absent a prior conviction. Participants were 161 juvenile males referred for alleged sex offenses. Participants were assessed using interviews with the juveniles and their parents, a review of the available records, and through a battery of self-report dynamic measures, including the Aggression Questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale. Risk was assessed via evaluation of static variables, including type of offense, prior sex offense, history of substance abuse, history of behavior problems, and unstable home life. Participants were grouped into low-risk, medium-risk, and high-risk categories based on their responses to the dynamic measures. Results of statistical analyses indicated that, consistent with their static level of risk, high-risk juvenile sex offenders reported less family cohesion, greater aggression, lower self-esteem, greater social discomfort, and more frequent and extreme sexual fantasies. The findings also indicated that the characteristics identified as common to juvenile offenders can suggest a progression to more serious sex offending behavior. Self-report data in this regard can be an important source of relevant information. Tables, references