NCJ Number
196860
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 29 Issue: 5 Dated: October 2002 Pages: 569-589
Editor(s)
Kirk Heilbrun
Date Published
October 2002
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This article presents two studies using multivariate methods to explore empirical dimensions of sex offender recidivism risk.
Abstract
Through the presentation of two separate studies, this article explores the heuristic conceptual utility of a multidimensional, theoretical characterization of the risk variables underlying sexual recidivism risk assessments. Study 1 participants included 103 male sex offenders who were either extrafamilial child molesters and/or rapists, previously convicted and imprisoned in Wisconsin for at least 1 past criminal sexual act. Study 1 was an exploration of the structure underlying the interrelationships between actuarial-type instruments commonly used in clinical practice focused on the assessment of the risk for sexual recidivism of previously convicted sex offenders. In Study 2, participants included 393 adult males discharged from a prison in England or Wales in 1979 at the conclusion of a sentence imposed for a sex offense. The variables used in Study 2 were selected to represent the individual risk indicators from two widely used actuarial instruments for assessing sex offenders. The methodology of the two studies differed in many ways with complimentary results. The findings from each study appear to support the idea that at least two independent dimensions underlie risk of sexual recidivism for previously convicted sexual offenders. In addition, the clusters of characteristics are congruent with previously researched and theorized factors relevant to sexual recidivism for previously convicted sexual offenders. In conclusion, it was viewed that a multidimensional theoretical model for sexual recidivism may come to have considerable utility for both applied practice and future research. This study presented a heuristically useful framework with the goal of contributing to a future more comprehensive capable of guiding risk assessment research and practice. Tables and references