NCJ Number
217350
Journal
Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention Volume: 13 Issue: 4 Dated: 2006 Pages: 377-390
Date Published
2006
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study examined the prevalence and nature of sexual addiction in sexual offenders incarcerated in a Canadian Federal prison.
Abstract
Results indicated that 23.75 percent of the 80 participants met the criteria for sexual addiction, which was significantly higher than the expected rate in the general population. Contrary to the hypothesis, sexual addiction was not significantly related to drug and alcohol abuse. The hypothesis that sexual addicts would be more likely to have a history of childhood or adolescent sexual abuse was also not supported by the findings. Sexual addicts were, however, more likely than their non-addicted counterparts to report a preoccupation with sexual thoughts. The findings offer mixed support for the predominant sexual addiction model put forth in 1989 by Carnes. It is recommended that therapists who work with sexual addicts should incorporate a focus on coping and empathy as an important component of treatment. Participants were 40 incarcerated male sexual offenders and a matched sample of 40 community subjects. Community participants were recruited from a government employment center and were screened to exclude those with a history of sexual offending. The two groups were matched in terms of employment history and education. The incarcerated males completed the questionnaire as part of a larger pretreatment assessment package. The questionnaire used for both groups collected information about demographic characteristics, sexual addiction behaviors, and drug and alcohol abuse. Data were analyzed using Pearson Product-Moment correlations, chi-square calculations, and Student’s t-tests. Future research should focus on the relationship between sexual addiction and a preoccupation with sexual thoughts. Table, references