Good lives, aetiology and the rehabilitation of sex offenders: A bridging theory

Abstract

In this paper we argue that rehabilitation theories create a conceptual bridge between theories of aetiology and clinical practice. They do this by virtue of their specification of the key constructs of change and the underlying normative and psychological assumptions concerning the domain in question. We suggest that the risk management theory underpinning deficit aetiological models and the relapse prevention treatment approach contains significant problems. In place of this theory of rehabilitation, we introduce the good lives model (GLM), arguing that its focus on offender strengths and primary human goods provides a more holistic and constructive way of treating sex offenders. First, the GLM of offender rehabilitation is outlined, spelling out the role of primary human goods and their implication for treatment. Second, we utilize the theory of primary human goods in an analysis of causal factors typically associated with sexual abuse. Third, the clinical implications of the GLM are explicitly drawn out and it is revealed how it can operate as a bridging theory between aetiological models and clinical practice. Finally, the paper is concluded with a consideration of the research and practice implications of this theory of rehabilitation.