NCJ Number
213077
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: January-February 2006 Pages: 77-94
Date Published
January 2006
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article develops an integrated and comprehensive model for the treatment of sexual offenders called the Good Lives Model-Comprehensive (GLM-C).
Abstract
The GLM-C, an integration of two theories of sexual offending, is based on several overarching principles and values: (1) sexual offenders (and all human beings) are predisposed to seek certain goals, referred to as primary human goods; (2) the process of rehabilitation is value-based involving a variety of types of values; (3) personal identity is central to rehabilitation; (4) psychological well-being plays a critical role in determining the form and content of rehabilitation programming; (5) rehabilitation should take into account the interaction between the characteristics of the offender and the environment into which he will be released; and (6) rehabilitation should take into account offenders’ personal preferences and strengths in relation to achieving primary goals in relevant environments. Clinical implications of the GLM-C include its potential for creating a meaningful structure for viewing self-regulation. The GLM-C treatment focus is on promoting a harmonious Good Lives plan that allows fulfilling access to all primary human goods, which reduces stress and promotes emotional self-regulation. The basic assumptions and values were drawn from the original Good Lives Model of offender rehabilitation (GLM-O). The newly developed GLM-C also incorporates aspects of the Integrated Theory of Sexual Offending (ITSO), which holds that a number of interacting variables lead to sexual offending, including interactions between biological factors, ecological factors, and psychological factors. In the GLM-C, brain development and social learning interact to establish an individual’s level of psychological functioning. Problematic psychological functioning, influenced by genetics, biological factors, and environmental issues, may lead to clinical symptoms, which may in turn lead to sexual offending. Clinical implementation of the GLM-C model is discussed. References