Mentally ill sex offenders in a regional secure unit. II: Cognitions, perceptions and fantasies

Abstract

This study explores the aetiological role of deviant sexual interests, cognitions, perceptions, fantasies, assertiveness and self-esteem in sexual offending by the mentally ill. Established psychometric instruments were administered to a sample of mentally ill sex offenders in a secure psychiatric facility (RSU) and the results compared with norms for the non-mentally ill sex offenders and non-offending community groups. The results revealed similarities between the mentally ill and non-mentally ill sex offenders in the extent of cognitive distortion on all scales of the Sexual Offence Attitudes Questionnaire. High levels of sexual obsession, sexual dysfunction and faulty sexual knowledge and beliefs were found when using the Multiphase Sex Inventory on the mentally ill sex offender, in comparison with the non-mentally ill sex offender. Pre-morbid IQ scores on the mentally ill and non-mentally ill sex offenders were comparable with population norms. The mean scores using the Culture Free Self-esteem Inventory and the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule were low. These preliminary findings suggest that the presence of mental illness alone may provide only a partial explanation of sexual offending by the mentally ill, and support the need for further study of the psychological profile of the mentally ill sex offender.