Implications for treatment of sexual offenders of the Ward and Hudson model of relapse.
A group of 59 child abusers were classified as having either an "avoidant" (n = 15) or an "approach" (n = 44) goal regarding deviant sexual activity with children. Level of distorted beliefs about sexual activity with children (cognitive distortions) and distorted beliefs about their own victims (victim blaming attitudes) in both groups were measured before and after treatment. Results indicate that there was an overall reduction in the level of these distorted beliefs at the posttreatment stage in the approach group. Reductions were not found in the avoidant offenders as men in this group did not have distorted beliefs prior to treatment. Results are discussed in terms of appropriate targeting of treatment.
Lucy Faithfull Foundation, Bordesley Hall, Birmingham, England.
James A
JA
Bickley
Anthony R
AR
Beech
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013781:Texas; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome