Assessing the generalization of relapse-prevention behaviors of sexual offenders diagnosed with an intellectual disability.
The generalization of relapse-prevention skills of 10 males residing at a state facility for sexual offenders diagnosed with an intellectual disability was assessed in the community using three different experimental probes: (a) treatment staff (TS), (b) nontreatment staff (NTS), and (c) community adults (CAs). Results indicated a decrease in compliance from the TS to NTS and CAs, with the lowest levels of generalization displayed by offenders who were older and displayed a wider range of paraphilias. The degree of generalization also varied as a function of the contingencies for prevention-plan noncompliance, with higher rates of generalization occurring for violations that were more severely consequated. The implications of the findings for future research in promoting the generalization of relapse-prevention skills of sexual offenders, in general, and those who also exhibit intellectual disabilities, in particular, are discussed.
Parsons State Hospital and Training Center, KS, USA.
Jerry A
JA
Rea
Michael R
MR
Dixon
Robert D
RD
Zettle
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D033062:Friends / Q000523:psychology; D005793:Generalization, Psychological; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055815:Young Adult
generalization; intellectual disabilities; relapse prevention; sexual offenders