Risk Factors Related to Cognitive Distortions Toward Women and Moral Disengagement: A Study on Sex Offenders

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 544-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulio D’Urso ◽  
Irene Petruccelli ◽  
Simona Grilli ◽  
Ugo Pace
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Moral Disengagement ◽  
Cognitive Distortions

scholarly journals Social-Emotional and Cognitive Risk Factors Connected With Recidivism in Sexual Offenders: An Explorative Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 7-27
Author(s):  
Giulio D’URSO ◽  
Simone PARRETTA ◽  
Uberta Ganucci CANCELLIERI ◽  
Irene PETRUCCELLI
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Moral Disengagement ◽  
Cognitive Distortions ◽  
Individual Development ◽  
Attitude Questionnaire ◽  
Treatment Pathways ◽  
Cognitive Risk ◽  
Risk Of Relapse ◽  
Cognitive Risk Factors

The literature suggests that sex offenders are more at risk of relapse and how much treatment pathways are needed to prevent it. Furthermore, the picture of predisposing factors connected to relapse appears complex. Therefore, the aim of this work is to verify the framework of social-cognitive risk factors connected to relapse in sex offenders. Participants in the study are 128 male sex offenders. The age range of the participants goes from 21 to 75 years (M = 41.74; SD = 13.45). Participants were given self-report questionnaires to evaluate cognitive distortions towards children and towards the right to sexuality, the Hanson Sex Attitude Questionnaire; cognitive distortions towards women, the Vindictive Rape Attitude Questionnaire; the mechanisms of moral disengagement, the Moral Disengagement Scale; furthermore, based on the grid of De Leo and colleagues, any adverse conditions (abuse, mistreatment, poverty, substance abuse, institutionalization) during childhood and/or adolescence were identified. Recidivism, on the other hand, was examined by asking participants if they had been convicted several times of the same crime and verifying this information through their files. The results showed that institutionalization, abuse, cognitive distortions towards women, and the mechanism of attributing blame to the victim can be relevant risk factors associated with relapse. The picture that emerged could suggest how the occurrence in a context of institutionalization during childhood could evidently represent an adverse condition during individual development that acts as a predisposing factor for the risk of relapse; in fact, it is possible to hypothesize that this condition may be linked to experiences of neglect. In the direction, the cognitive distortions towards women and the mechanism of attributing guilt to the victim represented the fulcrum of the deviant cognitive scheme capable of legitimizing the activation of violent and abusive behavior.

scholarly journals Cognitive Distortions and Moral Disengagement in Sex Offenders: A Study in Order to Develop a Possible Treatment

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-19
Author(s):  
I. Petruccelli ◽  
◽  
G. D’ Urso ◽  
A. Gherardini ◽  
S. Grilli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Sexual Offenders ◽  
Moral Disengagement ◽  
Cognitive Distortions ◽  
Child Molesters ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Cognitive Distortion ◽  
Moral Justification ◽  
Attribution Of Blame

Objective: The literature on sexual offenders (SOs) has considered cognitive distortions, defence mechanisms and moral disengagement mechanisms as risk factors in the individual history. Recent literature focuses on how both the concepts of moral disengagement (Bandura et al. 1996) and self-serving cognitive distortions (Barriga and Gibbs 1996) constitute a group of cognitive processes. These processes help to cognitively overcome dissonance between personal moral standards and behavioral transgressions, facilitating violent or, in general, wrong acts (Ribeaud and Eisner 2010). This pilot study investigates moral disengagement mechanisms and cognitive distortions in detained male SO to make treatment effective, taking into account the link between these two constructs. Design and Method: The study sample consisted of 101 males detained in some Italian prisons. Participants were administered a Socio-demographic Data Grid, the Moral Disengagement Scale, the Vindictive Rape Attitudes Questionnaire and the Hanson Supportive Attitudes Questionnaire. Results: Moral disengagement presents a significant correlation with all aspects of examined cognitive distortions (CD) [CD (child): r=.336, p<.01; CD “Sex Kids: r= .278, p<.01; CD “Sexual Entitlement”: r= .375, p<.01; CD (rapist): r= .299, p<.01]. Child molesters’ cognitive distortions are correlated with displacement of responsibility [r= .381; p<.01] and distortion of consequences [r= .278; p<.01]. Cognitive distortions about “sexual entitlement” are correlated with moral justification (r= .284; p<.01), attribution of blame [r= .304; p<.01], euphemistic labeling [r= .274; p<.01], displacement of responsibility (r= .418; p<.01) and distortions of consequences [r= .273; p<.01]. Rapist cognitive distortions present significant correlations with attribution of blame [r= .348; p<.01] and displacement of responsibility [r= .265; p<.01]. Cognitive Distortions, measured by “Sex Kids” subscale, present a moderate correlation with moral justification [r= .222; p<.05], displacement of responsibility [r= .234; p<.05] and distortion of consequences [r= .242; p<.05]. Conclusions: Our results suggest that moral disengagement and self-serving cognitive distortions often are present in the very same cognitive processes and that these processes tend to influence sex offenders’ behaviour (Ribeaud and Eisner, 2010). The correlation between child molester cognitive distortion and Displacement of Responsibility might be explained by an immaturity of the subject and the relative difficulty in relating to an adult preferring contact with child. The correlations between cognitive distortions rapist and Attribution of Blame and Displacement of Responsibility (MDM) could be referred to the offender’s idea that some aspects of the victim (Ex. Being too provocative) justify his violent behaviour against him/her. This study could be interesting to organize specific guidelines for treatment of the offenders and especially for the relapse prevention.

scholarly journals The role of moral disengagement and cognitive distortions toward children among sex offenders

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 414-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulio D’Urso ◽  
Irene Petruccelli ◽  
Valentina Costantino ◽  
Carla Zappulla ◽  
Ugo Pace
Keyword(s):  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Moral Disengagement ◽  
Cognitive Distortions

Early Maladaptive Schemas Are Highly Indicative of Compulsive Sexual Behavior

2020 ◽  
pp. 016327872098342
Author(s):  
Yaniv Efrati ◽  
Ortal Shukron ◽  
Robert Epstein
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Cognitive Distortions ◽  
Early Maladaptive Schemas ◽  
Sexual Deviance ◽  
Compulsive Sexual Behavior ◽  
Maladaptive Schemas

Unlike the consequences of compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) and the profile of people with CSB that were extensively studied, the cognitive distortions that might be responsible to the development and maintenance of CSB are less understood. In Study 1 ( n = 68), we examined intercorrelations between CSB and early maladaptive schemas among a sample with clinical CSB (Sexaholic Anonymous; SAs). In Study 2 (sex offenders; n = 103, and violence offenders; n = 81), we examined the intercorrelations between CSB and early maladaptive schemas among a sample with a sexual deviance but non-clinical levels of CSB. Results revealed that early maladaptive schemas are highly indicative of CSB severity. We discuss the implication of the study for the study and therapy of CSB.

Do Developmental and Life-Course Theory Risk Factors Equally Predict Age of Onset Among Juvenile Sexual and Nonsexual Offenders?

Sexual Abuse ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Rosa ◽  
Bryanna Fox ◽  
Wesley G. Jennings
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Life Course ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Juvenile Sex Offenders ◽  
Criminological Theory ◽  
Sex Offending ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Florida Department ◽  
Nonsexual Offenders

Previous empirical inquiries into the etiology of juvenile sex offending have been largely atheoretical. Consequently, a call for studies conducted utilizing developmental and life-course (DLC) criminological theory has been made to better understand the onset, development, risk, and protective factors of juvenile sex offending. Therefore, this study contributes to the discussion by testing key predictions proposed by the DLC framework regarding the theoretical correlates of early onset offending, as applied to juvenile sex offenders (JSOs) and juvenile nonsex offenders (JNSOs). Drawing on a data set of more than 64,000 youth referred to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, results indicate that although the number and severity of risk factors for early age of onset differ between the JSOs and JNSOs, the specific type of risk factors that emerged align with DLC theory predictions. The implications of these findings and contributions for DLC theory are also discussed.

Comparing the Central Eight Risk Factors: Do They Differ Across Age Groups of Sex Offenders?

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (13) ◽  
pp. 4278-4294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Wilpert ◽  
Joan E. van Horn ◽  
Cyril Boonmann
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Recidivism Rates ◽  
Dynamic Risk Factors ◽  
Rnr Model ◽  
Risk Need Responsivity ◽  
Reducing Recidivism ◽  
General Recidivism

Following the risk-need-responsivity (RNR) model, cognitive-behavioral therapy is considered most effective in reducing recidivism when based on dynamic risk factors. As studies have found differences of these factors across age, exploring this seems beneficial. The current study investigates the Central Eight (C8) risk factors across six age groups of outpatient sex offenders ( N = 650). Results showed that recidivism rates and age were inversely related from 19 years and up. Half of the C8 did not predict general recidivism at all, substance abuse, antisocial cognition, antisocial associates, and history of antisocial behavior in only one or several age groups. However, factors differed between age groups, with the youngest group demonstrating the most dysfunction in several areas and the oldest group the least. It is concluded that the C8 risk factors seem to lose significance in the older age groups. Results may benefit targeting treatment goals.

The juvenile sex offender

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catrien Bijleveld ◽  
Chantal van den Berg ◽  
Jan Hendriks
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Sex Offender ◽  
Sexual Offending ◽  
Juvenile Sex Offenders ◽  
Criminal Career ◽  
Assessment Instruments ◽  
Juvenile Sex Offender ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Crucial Information

Juvenile sexual offending is often regarded as a precursor of serious and continued sexual offending in adulthood, but there has been little empirical evidence supporting this assumption. Could juvenile sexual offending be just a ‘passing phase’? The study discussed in this essay follows the criminal career about 1,600 juvenile sex offenders from early adolescence into adulthood. A comprehensive view of the entire criminal career is presented to establish whether juvenile sexual offending is a precursor of continued (sexual) offending in adulthood or if (sexual) offending is non-chronic for most. The sexual recidivists in the sample are identified, and this group is used to establish the risk factors associated with continued sexual offending. These risk factors are compared to the ones used in risk assessment instruments for (juvenile) sex offenders. This study holds crucial information for policy and theory regarding juvenile sex offenders.

scholarly journals The Application of Network Analysis to Dynamic Risk Factors in Adult Male Sex Offenders

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 539-554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Willem van den Berg ◽  
Wineke Smid ◽  
Jolanda J. Kossakowski ◽  
Daan van Beek ◽  
Denny Borsboom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Adult Male ◽  
Sexual Contact ◽  
Central Position ◽  
Dynamic Risk Factors ◽  
Dynamic Risk ◽  
Male Sex ◽  
Male Sex Offenders

Although dynamic risk factors are considered important in the assessment and treatment of adult male sex offenders, little is known about their interrelationships. We apply network analysis to assess their associations and to provide an analysis of their shortest pathways to sexual and violent (including sexual contact) recidivism. Analyses revealed a central position for general rejection/loneliness (in all networks), poor cognitive problem solving (in networks containing sexual or violent—including sexual contact—recidivism), and impulsive acts (only in the network including sexual recidivism). These variables represented links between clusters of dynamic risk factors composed of factors relating to sexual self-regulation, emotionally intimate relationships, antisocial traits, and self-management. Impulsive acts showed the strongest independent association with sexual and violent (including sexual contact) recidivism.

scholarly journals A Dynamic Risk Factors–Based Typology of Sexual Offenders

2016 ◽  
Vol 61 (14) ◽  
pp. 1623-1647 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Martínez-Catena ◽  
Santiago Redondo ◽  
Nina Frerich ◽  
Anthony R. Beech
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Sexual Offenders ◽  
Child Molesters ◽  
Criminal History ◽  
Correctional Facilities ◽  
Dynamic Risk Factors ◽  
Dynamic Risk ◽  
Criminogenic Needs ◽  
The One

The purpose of this article was to develop an Spanish psychometric typology of sexual offenders taking into account dynamic risk factors. The sample comprised 94 sex offenders imprisoned in Spain (52 rapists and 42 child molesters). The analysis yielded two different offender categories based on the subjects’ criminogenic needs level (high and low). The results also showed that social desirability has a strong influence on the developed typologies, whereas the offence type, sociodemographic characteristics, and criminal history do not. A dynamic risk factors typology, such as the one proposed here, could help criminal and correctional facilities to fulfill their remit. It could also be useful for linking treatment intensity to offenders’ criminogenic needs, as well as providing a platform for recidivism risk assessments.

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