Sexual offender treatment outcomes among psychopathy subtypes

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine sexual offender treatment responses as a function of psychopathy subtype. Design/methodology/approach Measures of sexual violence risk, treatment change and outcome variables were coded retrospectively on a sample of 86 high Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) scoring sexual offenders. Psychopathy subtypes were identified through cluster analysis of PCL-R facet scores. Findings Two subtypes were identified labeled classic and aggressive. They were comparable in their level of risk and need and did not differ in rates of treatment completion or change. The aggressive subtype had higher rates of violent and general recidivism and higher frequencies of major mental disorder and cognitive disability. Results of Cox regression survival analysis demonstrated that treatment-related changes in risk were associated with reductions in violent recidivism for the aggressive, but not classic, psychopathy variant. Practical implications Psychopathy is a heterogeneous syndrome. Moreover, psychopathic offenders can demonstrate risk relevant treatment changes. PCL-R facet profiles have important responsivity implications. However, not all psychopathic offenders fare poorly in treatment. Originality/value This is one of very few studies to examine treatment response and links to outcome among psychopathic offenders, particularly as this relates to subtype.

Sex offender treatment

There are many misconceptions about sexual-offender treatment, which are particularly magnified when it comes to understanding and managing the risk of sexual offending in the community. Many of the misconceptions are based on faulty information about the types of treatment, treatment outcomes, and sexual-offence recidivism. Additionally, public misconception of sexual-offending behaviour in sexually deviant individuals creates stigma and fear. This is despite the large number of studies on sexual-offender treatment, recidivism, and treatment outcome available in the scientific literature. In fact, various actuarial risk-assessment instruments can be used to estimate the probability that a sexual offender will recidivate. Risk can be managed through treatment. The aim of this chapter is to review the evidence-based studies on the efficacy of sexual-offender treatment, as well as how the risk management of sexual offenders is currently implemented in sexual-offender treatment programmes.