California Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) Evaluations in the Field: Static-99R and Diagnostic Field Reliability

Tests and diagnoses used in sexually violent predator (SVP) evaluations must be reliable, as reliability is foundational to validity. The current study contained a stratified sample of evaluations of 395 individuals referred as potential SVPs between 2012 and 2017. Each individual was initially evaluated by at least two experts. The sample included three groups: individuals not meeting SVP criteria ( N = 200, or 400 evaluations), individuals meeting SVP criteria ( N = 95, with 190 evaluations), and individuals where evaluators disagreed ( N = 100, with 200 evaluations). The sample also included 200 subsequent independent evaluations on these “disagree” cases. Static-99R score intraclass coefficient (ICC) interrater reliability was good to excellent within each group and overall. Evaluators scored the Static-99R within one point of each other 87% of the time. Cohen’s kappa diagnostic agreement for Pedophilic Disorder was substantial. ASPD and substance abuse kappa were in the “fair” range, while OSPD diagnoses in the positive group were at the “moderate” level of agreement. Ethnic differences in diagnoses were consistent with other studies, with equivalent Static-99R ICC values across ethnic groups. There were no significant differences between state civil servants versus contracted experts in Static-99R ratings or final determinations. The results suggest that Static-99R scores have acceptable reliability in these evaluations, and Pedophilic Disorder (the most common paraphilic disorder in our study) and OSPD can be reliably diagnosed. We discuss limitations of the study, as well as the need for care in high-stakes evaluations given the imperfect reliability of psychological measurements.

Predictive Validity of Operationalized Criteria for the Assessment of Criminal Responsibility of Sexual Offenders With Paraphilic Disorders—A Randomized Control Trial With Mental Health and Legal Professionals

The prevention of sexual violence is a major goal of sexual health. In cases of accused sexual offenders, the assessment of diminished criminal responsibility of the accused is one of the most important procedures undertaken by experts in the German legal system. This assessment follows a two-stage method assessing first the severity of a paraphilic disorder and then second criteria for or against diminished capacity. The present study examines the predictive validity of two different sets of criteria for the assessment of criminal responsibility in the context of paraphilic disorders combined with sexual offending. Two exemplary case vignettes of two suspected sexual offenders were developed to assess the criteria. For each participant, one of the two exemplary case vignettes was randomly presented. The presentation of the two different sets of criteria was also randomized, so that each participant was assigned only one of the two criteria sets to rate one of the presented cases. N = 349 participants from different professional backgrounds (mental health and legal professionals) completed their assessments and were included in the data analysis. The data were evaluated using logistic regression. Results show that the more recently published criteria set (Briken and Müller, 2014) predicts both the severity of the disorder as well as the diminished capacity twice as good as the older criteria set of Boetticher et al. (2005) currently used regularly for forensic court reports. In preliminary conclusion, the new criteria of Briken and Müller (2014) form an empirically based assessment of criminal responsibility. However, the proposed criteria cannot replace an extensive exploration of the accused person and a careful file analysis. Validity and reliability of the results are also limited due to the methodical choice of a vignette study.

Frotteuristic disorder

Frotteurism or frotteuristic disorder describes a behavior through which one obtains intense sexual arousal from touching or rubbing, usually their genitals or pelvic area against a non-consenting person. Prevalence is more common in male population. This article addresses the characteristics, diagnosis criteria, prevalence, etiology, methods of evaluation and intervention and explains the onset and evolution as well as the psychological factors present in this particular paraphilic disorder.

The Female Orgasm Disorder, An Individual Psychology Approach

Frotteurism or frotteuristic disorder describes a behavior through which one obtains intense sexual arousal from touching or rubbing, usually their genitals or pelvic area against a non-consenting person. Prevalence is more common in male population. This article addresses the characteristics, diagnosis criteria, prevalence, etiology, methods of evaluation and intervention and explains the onset and evolution as well as the psychological factors present in this particular paraphilic disorder.

The Transvestic Disorder

According to DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), transvestic disorder is a form of paraphilia reported almost exclusively in men. Sexual arousal manifested in its most obvious form – as an erection of the penis – can be associated with transvestism in various manners. The diagnosis of transvestic disorder applies to individuals who practice transvestism and whose fantasies about disguising in clothes that are specific to the other sex and whose associated behaviours are always or frequently accompanied by sexual arousal, and to whom this type of behaviour causes emotional discomfort, or a significant dysfunction manifested clinically in various areas of their life. This paper tries to explore the onset, the evolution, the various psychological factors that emerge as a result the paraphilic disorder, and, respectively, the criteria used to the purpose of clinical assessment, and the specific therapeutic approaches to the disorder.