NCJ Number
139440
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 36 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1992) Pages: 221-230
Date Published
1992
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Cognitive-behavioral therapy and social skills training were provided to sex offenders incarcerated at a Northern Ontario, Canada, District Jail.
Abstract
They had been incarcerated for sexual assault offenses (common rape, molestation, and incest) or assaultive offenses. A total of 60 inmates participated voluntarily, and 45 completed the treatment program. Of offenders completing the program, 29 had been charged with sexual offenses. Psychometric tests were administered to measure each offender's personality traits and cognition. Following the completion of questionnaires during the first program session, an educational session outlined the biology of sexuality and aggression. The next session used social skills training to explore causes of anger and sexuality in relationships. Positive and negative consequences were explored, and problem-solving and social skills training were included. The last two sessions included a discussion of past roles, belief systems, and the formulation of new roles, as well as training in techniques for dealing with anger and sexuality. Among sex offenders, rapists showed increased self-esteem over the 5-week program. Anxiety levels of both rapists and molesters decreased significantly over the course of the program. Code profiles developed using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory revealed insignificant differences between sex offenders. Overall, results demonstrated that sexual types were associated with personality styles and that child molesters and rapists viewed themselves more positively after the treatment program. 19 references and 2 tables