title: An Evaluation of a Community-Based Psycho-Educational Program for Users of Child Sexual Exploitation Material.
abstract: Online sexual offenders represent an increasingly large proportion of all sexual offenders. Many of these offenders receive noncustodial sentences, and there is a growing need for community-based interventions. The aim of this study was to evaluate a psycho-educational program for community dwelling users of child sexual exploitation material (CSEM). A total of 92 adult male participants completed self-report measures at pre and post. A subset of participants also completed measures after a follow-up period. Results suggested benefits across depression, anxiety, and stress; social competency, including locus of control and self-esteem; and distorted attitudes. Furthermore, these effects remained 8 to 12 weeks following program completion. Our results suggest that CSEM users are amenable to treatment in the community and that there are beneficial outcomes in affective and interpersonal functioning following psycho-education. These factors represent treatment targets for sexual offenders and are recognized risk factors for contact sexual offense recidivism.
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Birmingham, UK.|2 The Lucy Faithfull Foundation, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Steven M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Gillespie
authors.affiliation: 2 The Lucy Faithfull Foundation, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.affiliation: 2 The Lucy Faithfull Foundation, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Squire
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Melissa L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Carey
authors.affiliation: 2 The Lucy Faithfull Foundation, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Hilary J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Eldridge
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Anthony R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Beech
mesh_terms: D057237:Criminals / Q000523:psychology*; D004882:Erotica / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D012649:Self Concept; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Internet; indecent images of children; online sex offenders; psycho-education; treatment outcome