Citation

Bickley JA, Beech AR. Sex. Abuse 2003; 15(2): 121-134.

Affiliation

Lucy Faithfull Foundation, Bordesley Hall, Birmingham, England.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12731147

Abstract

A group of 59 child abusers were classified as having either an "avoidant" (n = 15) or an "approach" (n = 44) goal regarding deviant sexual activity with children. Level of distorted beliefs about sexual activity with children (cognitive distortions) and distorted beliefs about their own victims (victim blaming attitudes) in both groups were measured before and after treatment. Results indicate that there was an overall reduction in the level of these distorted beliefs at the posttreatment stage in the approach group. Reductions were not found in the avoidant offenders as men in this group did not have distorted beliefs prior to treatment. Results are discussed in terms of appropriate targeting of treatment.

Language: en