Somatic and Mental Symptoms of Male Sex Offenders: A Comparison Among Offenders, Victims, and Their Families (From Sex Offender Treatment: Accomplishments, Challenges, and Future Directions, P 103-114, Eli Coleman and Michael H. Miner, eds. -- See NCJ-199818)

• NCJ Number: 199825
• Author(s): L. C. Miccio-Fonseca Ph.D.
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 12 pages
• Sale Source: Haworth Press, Inc
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study investigated whether or not male sex offenders reported an identifiable constellation of both somatic and mental symptoms that separates them from other groups of offenders, victims, and their families.

Abstract

As part of a comprehensive, 7-year (1986-1993), research project, this study explored whether nor not male sex offenders report a collection of both somatic and mental symptoms that sets them apart from other offenders, victims, and their families. Participants for the study were from southern California (San Diego) and referred by a law enforcement official or by Child Protective Services. Each participant completed an encyclopedic Male Intake Questionnaire, to obtain a comprehensive picture of the individual. The areas covered in the questionnaire pertained to the individual’s psychological, medical, urological, gynecological, drug, law enforcement, psychiatric illness, homicidal, and suicidal histories, and somatic symptoms and mental symptoms. Result highlights included: (1) sex offenders, victims, and their family members differed on 14 self-reported mental symptoms; (2) sex offenders rated themselves higher on symptoms dealing with cognitive difficulties; and (3) victims described themselves as experiencing more complaints regarding mood difficulties. Findings in this study recommend the development of new treatment and assessment paradigms in the field of male sex offenders. Study limitations are presented and discussed. References