NCJ Number
163217
Journal
Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1996) Pages: 17-23
Date Published
1996
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This pilot study tested the effectiveness of a brief structured module in modifying absolute denial in convicted sexual offenders.
Abstract
During the first session, the therapist discussed the reasons many men continue to deny their guilt and the various functions denial serves. The next 10 sessions were devoted to a victim-empathy exercise to learn about the effects on victims of crimes similar to those group members had been accused of committing. During the remaining sessions, group members were introduced to the basic concepts of relapse prevention, including a discussion of the terms external high-risk factor, internal high-risk factor, seemingly unimportant decision, lapse, and relapse. Following the 16 sessions, any group members who remained in denial participated in plethysmograph and polygraph evaluations. Two of the 10 clients admitted their guilt for their offenses during the victim-empathy portion of the module. Three other clients had admitted their offenses by the end of the module, resulting in a 50-percent success rate. Despite the limits of this particular pilot study, it does appear that a structured module by using hypothetical exercises may be helpful in preparing a sexual offender who is in absolute denial for further treatment. Further research and replication of this pilot study are indicated. 34 references