Citation

Tierney DW, McCabe MP. Trauma Violence Abuse 2001; 2(3): 259-270.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The modification of denial, defensiveness, and cognitive distortions and the enhancement of victim empathy are central components in the treatment of pedophilic sex offenders (PSOs) and are thus important factors to evaluate. This review of the literature highlights three broad problems with self-report measures of these variables. First, the psychometric properties of measures vary enormously, with some having no established validity or reliability. Second, the purpose of the measure is generally quite transparent, enabling the respondent to easily pick the socially acceptable responses. Finally, it is difficult to determine which are the best measures to use in assessing PSOs. Measures range from those designed for the general public to those designed specifically for PSOs. Also, they range from those that assess broad processes (e.g., general empathy) to those that assess offense-specific variables (e.g., victim empathy). This article argues that these issues need to be addressed to improve both the assessment of these processes among PSOs and the evaluation of treatment programs for PSOs. (Abstract Adapted from Source: Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 2001. Copyright © 2001 by SAGE Publications)

Adult Offender
Adult Violence
Adult Treatment
Sexual Assault Offender
Sexual Assault Treatment
Child Abuse Offender
Child Abuse Treatment
Child Molester
Child Sexual Abuse Treatment
Child Sexual Abuse Offender
Offender Treatment
Self Report Assessment
Offender Assessment
Offender Empathy for Victim
01-03