NCJ Number
248125
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 19 Issue: 4 Dated: July/August 2014 Pages: 372-382
Date Published
August 2014
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This paper presents the results of a review of the theoretical and empirical literature examining the intimacy dispositions of sex offenders.
Abstract
This review of the theoretical and empirical literature examining the intimacy disposition of sex offenders found that no common operationalizable definition of intimacy has yet to be put forth on how intimacy deficits contribute to sexual offending behaviors. This review was conducted in order to develop a better understanding of the nature, extent, diversity, and specificity of intimacy abilities and deficits among sex offenders, and the role of intimacy in sexually abusive behaviors. The paper briefly describes the theoretical explanations of the role of intimacy in sexual offending, and the integrative theoretical models of sexual offending. In addition, the paper discusses attachment and intimacy studies that provide evidence for the presence of intimacy deficits and their role in sexual offending; and research on related constructs that provides evidence for the presence of intimacy deficits and their role in sexual offending. The paper also discusses limitations of the studies on intimacy in sex offenders and highlights challenges for future research. Tables and references