NCJ Number
168660
Journal
Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Dated: July 1997 Pages: 201-217
Date Published
1997
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This comprehensive descriptive study of incarcerated juvenile sexual offenders and analysis of group differences between sexual and nonsexual offenders did not demonstrate a meaningful pattern of differences between the two groups.
Abstract
The study sample included 156 males incarcerated at a residential training school for male juvenile delinquents in Marianna, Florida. Subjects ranged in age from 13 to 18 years at the time of admission to the school and had committed more than one felony and/or more serious offenses than third-degree felonies. Data were obtained from standardized psychometric measures and substantial institutional and therapeutic record reviews. The sample of sexual offenders was compared with a nonsexual offender comparison group on measures of delinquent history, intelligence, academic achievement, and psychopathology. Research results did not reveal significant differences between the two groups on the variables measured. Findings supported two primary conclusions: (1) sexual offending by incarcerated juveniles is likely to be but one expression of antisocial, violent behavior by these juveniles; and (2) similarities between sexual and nonsexual offenders indicate commensurate therapeutic needs for both offender types. In addition to sexual offender specific treatment, these juveniles should receive treatment that targets other aspects of their antisocial, violent behavior. 28 references and 3 tables