Citation

Gillespie SM, Bailey A, Squire T, Carey ML, Eldridge HJ, Beech AR. Sex. Abuse 2018; 30(2): 169-191.

Affiliation

University of Birmingham, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1079063216639591

PMID

27000266

Abstract

Online sexual offenders represent an increasingly large proportion of all sexual offenders. Many of these offenders receive noncustodial sentences, and there is a growing need for community-based interventions. The aim of this study was to evaluate a psycho-educational program for community dwelling users of child sexual exploitation material (CSEM). A total of 92 adult male participants completed self-report measures at pre and post. A subset of participants also completed measures after a follow-up period.

RESULTS suggested benefits across depression, anxiety, and stress; social competency, including locus of control and self-esteem; and distorted attitudes. Furthermore, these effects remained 8 to 12 weeks following program completion. Our results suggest that CSEM users are amenable to treatment in the community and that there are beneficial outcomes in affective and interpersonal functioning following psycho-education. These factors represent treatment targets for sexual offenders and are recognized risk factors for contact sexual offense recidivism.

© The Author(s) 2016.

Language: en