NCJ Number
129540
Journal
Behavioral Sciences and the Law Volume: 9 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1991) Pages: 53-59
Date Published
1991
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Clinicians often use the excuses of child molesters as a means of assessing their potential for rehabilitation and the likelihood of their recidivism. This study attempted to define the syntax and logic of the justifications used by child molesters.
Abstract
The clinical records of 86 patients referred for psychiatric assessment following a charge of child sexual molestation were reviewed to collect over 250 explanatory statements. The excuses were sorted into several thematic content categories: denial of fact, denial of responsibility, denial of sexual intent, denial of wrongfulness, and denial of self-determination. The molester's degree of defensiveness was assessed by the number of excuses used and the inconsistencies in his reasoning. A more systematic research effort into the excuses of child molesters could lead to future treatment and recidivism prevention programs. 2 tables, 1 figure, and 5 references (Author abstract modified)