Citation

Wood E, Riggs S. J. Interpers. Violence 2008; 23(2): 259-275.

Affiliation

University of North Texas.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0886260507309344

PMID

18162640

Abstract

A conceptual model derived from attachment theory was tested by examining adult attachment style, cognitive distortions, and both general and victim empathy in a sample of 61 paroled child molesters and 51 community controls. Results of logistic multiple regression showed that attachment anxiety, cognitive distortions, high general empathy but low victim empathy significantly increased the odds of child molester status. Findings supported theoretically based hypotheses, suggesting that attachment theory may be useful in the conceptualization and treatment of child molesters.

Language: en