Therapeutic change in adolescents sexual offenders

Abstract

IntroductionA number of studies have shown that the treatment of adolescents who have engaged in sexually abusive behavior (AESABs) reduces their risk of sexual recidivism. However, few studies have examined the internal processes leading to these results. ObjectiveThe purpose of our research was to determine whether the treatment of AESABs (n=43) influences the following factors related to sexual offending: deficient social skills, social isolation, ineffective coping strategies, and cognitive distortions. The impact of motivation for change and trauma symptoms on therapeutic progress was also examined. MethodPre/post-treatment analyses were completed. ResultsThe results of our pre/post-treatment analyses indicate significant changes in social isolation, coping strategies and cognitive distortions, and a significant reduction of trauma symptoms. Only social skills remained deficient. The data on motivation were not sufficient to establish whether motivation was linked to the progress of the subjects. DiscussionOur study highlights the importance of interventions targeting the acquisition of social skills in AESABs. Trauma is also an important factor to consider in the assessment of therapeutic progress, despite not being directly related to sexually abusive behaviour. The limits of the study highlight the importance of establishing an a priori program evaluation framework.