NCJ Number
208214
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 84 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2004 Pages: 472-485
Date Published
December 2004
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Given the deficit in research that has assessed the attainment of specified treatment goals for juvenile sex offenders, this study used a cross-over longitudinal design to examine pretreatment and posttreatment data collected from a residential sex offender treatment program for incarcerated juvenile males (n=100).
Abstract
Participants had been found guilty of a sex offense as a juvenile and were committed to the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice. They had been evaluated and identified as needing residential sex offender treatment. Their ages ranged from 13 to 22 years old. The measurement of variables related to treatment goals was done with a multifaceted questionnaire composed of four standardized instruments and two assessment instruments developed for sex offenders. The variables measured were cognitive distortions, sexual knowledge, attitudes related to sexual behavior, empathy, and level of self-esteem. The measurement of these variables is based in the premise that deviant sexual behaviors are associated with distorted thinking patterns that serve to deny, justify, minimize, and rationalize an offender's sex offenses. The reduction of cognitive distortions regarding sexual violence is central in the provision of treatment services. Data for this study were collected in two stages over 6 months. The study documented positive changes in levels of cognitive distortions, sexual knowledge, attitudes about sexual behavior, and self-esteem over the treatment period. Partial support for positive change was determined for empathy. Suggestions for future research are offered. 2 tables and 50 references