Citation

Wilpert J, van Horn JE, Boonmann C. Int. J. Offender Ther. Comp. Criminol. 2018; 62(13): 4278-4294.

Affiliation

University of Basel Psychiatric Hospital, Switzerland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0306624X18758899

PMID

29478392

Abstract

Following the risk-need-responsivity (RNR) model, cognitive-behavioral therapy is considered most effective in reducing recidivism when based on dynamic risk factors. As studies have found differences of these factors across age, exploring this seems beneficial. The current study investigates the Central Eight (C8) risk factors across six age groups of outpatient sex offenders ( N = 650).

RESULTS showed that recidivism rates and age were inversely related from 19 years and up. Half of the C8 did not predict general recidivism at all, substance abuse, antisocial cognition, antisocial associates, and history of antisocial behavior in only one or several age groups. However, factors differed between age groups, with the youngest group demonstrating the most dysfunction in several areas and the oldest group the least. It is concluded that the C8 risk factors seem to lose significance in the older age groups.

RESULTS may benefit targeting treatment goals.

Language: en

Keywords

Central Eight risk factors; RNR; age; sex offenders