NCJ Number
178831
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Dated: 1999 Pages: 89-111
Date Published
1999
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This article introduces the concept of "motivated self-deception" to explain how the cognitive distortions of child molesters are likely to develop from normal cognitive processes.
Abstract
These processes include cognitive heuristics and optimistic biases that are magnified and embellished because of deviant motivations. Several different routine heuristics and patterns of self-deception are described. Optimistic and egocentric biases are routinely used by people to help maintain a positive self- view, a healthy optimism about themselves, and the perception of control over their environment. In cases in which behavior is not consistent with beliefs about self, an uncomfortable "cognitive dissonance" occurs. Efforts to reduce this discomfort typically lead to distortions of perceptions of the situation. This article provides examples of how such biases and cognitive distortions are activated and progressively organized by molesters to relieve cognitive dissonance throughout the abuse chain to accomplish specific goals. A framework provided distinguishes between two major groups of self-deception based on the set of functions intrinsic to each. This is followed by a discussion of how it is possible for molesters to deceive themselves. Finally, several treatment suggestions are provided, with an emphasis on the implications for managing resistance and denial as well as fostering a sense of responsibility within molesters. 52 references