The abstinence violation effect in sex offenders: a reformulation.
It is argued that the central issue in the treatment of sexually aggressive behavior is the tendency to relapse shown by offenders. A model of the relapse process is presented along with what is described as its central feature, the abstinence violation effect (AVE). This construct is critically examined and its shortcomings identified. A brief description of Weiner's attributional theory is provided and this is used to reformulate the AVE. The advantages of the reformulated AVE are described, as are the clinical implications. Suggestions are then made for future research.
Hudson
S M
SM
Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Ward
T
T
Marshall
W L
WL
D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D012746:Sexual Abstinence