Psychopathology of Sex Offenders

Abstract

Although male sex offenders have been the focus of numerous empirical investigations, there exists little data examining the characteristics of female sex offenders. This study examined personality profiles of incarcerated male and female sex offenders by utilizing Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) to categorize offenders based on their responses on the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). Building on previous research (see Turner, Miller, Henderson, 2008), the current sample of male and female sex offenders is best described using a 4-class model: Moderate Defensiveness, Elevated Alcohol and Drug Use, Moderate Psychopathology, and Elevated Psychopathology. Analyzing covariates and group membership, results indicated that male sex offenders were more likely to be included in the Elevated Drug and Alcohol group, whereas the female sex offenders were more likely to be included in the Moderate or Elevated Psychopathology group. Additional results of psychopathology and gender difference, as well as treatment implications are discussed.