Emotional Variables and Deviant Sexual Fantasies in Adolescent Sex Offenders

Abstract

This study examined the relationship of treatment settings (inpatient and outpatient), sexual fantasies (deviant and non-deviant), and reported levels of loneliness and hostility. Most research relating to emotional variables and sex offending, utilizes primarily adult offender participants and not juvenile offenders. The results of this study indicated that there are significant differences between residential sex offenders (inpatient) and outpatient sex offenders on frequency of deviant sexual fantasies. Certain variables are also positively correlated with deviant sexual fantasies for residential sexual offenders (inpatient). The purpose of this research is to contribute to the field of adolescent sex offender assessment and treatment by examining the level of sexual deviant thoughts as related to mood states and subsequent acting out behavior. It assesses emotional components in a variety of settings to assist in tailoring treatment interventions for these issues. With more focus on these traditionally overlooked variables, early intervention with adolescent sex offenders will offer more efficient treatment. Finally, this study hopes to offer more issues for future research.