Showing papers by "Tony Ward published in 1996"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used a reformulation of this model, using Bartholomew's attachment theory, to carry out a preliminary investigation of the nature of attachment relationships in sex offenders.
Abstract: In the past few decades, a number of theories have been developed to further our understanding of the various aspects of sex offending. Recent work has been focused on the relationship between early interpersonal experiences and the presence of intimacy deficits in sex offenders. Marshall (1989, 1993, in press) developed an etiological model stressing the importance of insecure attachment and intimacy deficits in both the onset and maintenance of sex offending. In this article we used a reformulation of this model, using Bartholomew's attachment theory, to carry out a preliminary investigation of the nature of attachment relationships in sex offenders. The participants in this study included child molesters (55), rapists (30), violent non‐sex offenders (32), and non‐violent, non‐sex offenders (30). Their general romantic attachment style was assessed using Bartholomew's self‐report scales. Results indicated that the majority of sex offenders were insecurely attached. However, this was true for all four gr...
295 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors critically examine both Marlatt's original relapse prevention model and Pithers' application of this perspective to the sexual offending area, and examine the strengths and weaknesses of Pither's approach.
Abstract: In the last decade the application of the relapse prevention (RP) model to both the conceptualization and the treatment of sexual offenders has emerged as an innovative approach. Underlying the treatment utility of this perspective has been a social learning view of the relapse process in addictive behavior. In this paper we critically examine both Marlatt's original RP model and Pithers' application of this perspective to the sexual offending area. After outlining its basic assumptions, we describe the RP model in some detail. Following a critique of Marlatt's theory, we examine the strengths and weaknesses of Pithers' RP approach. Finally, we conclude with some comments on the implications of our critique.
89 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the use of a social cognition framework in considering cognitive processes that may be important contributing factors in the propensity of some men to commit sexual offenses is proposed. But, the authors do not consider the role of maladaptive beliefs and distorted thinking in facilitating or justifying sexual offenses.
Abstract: Clinicians and researchers have noted the important role of maladaptive beliefs and distorted thinking in facilitating or justifying sexual offenses. There have been a number of attempts to describe the nature of these beliefs and to develop ways of measuring them but in the absence of any integrating theory. It is our belief that an understanding of the cognitive processes underlying the initiation, maintenance, and justification of sexual offending is a vital prerequisite to the development of successful treatment programs. The present paper proposes the use of a social cognition framework in considering cognitive processes that may be important contributing factors in the propensity of some men to commit sexual offenses. Pertinent research in the social cognition domain, covering information processing, mental control, and the impact of affective and motivational factors on cognitive processes, is described and related to the sexual offending literature. Implications for clinical practice and suggestions for future research are highlighted.
61 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe the component of their treatment program that is aimed at enhancing intimacy skills and reducing loneliness in sexual offenders, and the evaluation of this component, although limited in sophistication, offers data that encourages confidence in the value of the treatment component.
Abstract: The present report describes the component of our treatment program that is aimed at enhancing intimacy skills and reducing loneliness in sexual offenders. The evaluation of this component, although limited in sophistication, offers data that encourages confidence in the value of the treatment component.
43 citations
TL;DR: In this article, it is argued that there are good empirical, theoretical, and practical reasons for viewing the offense and relapse process as functionally equivalent, and the application of a framework based on the problem behavior process has significant theoretical and clinical advantages and can overcome the major difficulties associated with Marlatt's and Pithers' RP models.
Abstract: There are several significant problems with both Marlatt's and Pither's relapse prevention (RP) models. It is argued in this paper that there are good empirical, theoretical, and practical reasons for viewing the offense and relapse process as functionally equivalent. The core construct in both these traditionally different models is the problem behavior process. The application of a framework based on the problem behavior process has significant theoretical and clinical advantages and can overcome the major difficulties associated with Marlatt's and Pithers' RP models.
32 citations
TL;DR: The role of mental control and thought suppression in bulimia nervosa is considered in explaining the occurrence of unwanted thoughts and feelings, specifically in relation to weight, shape, and food.
Abstract: The clinical literature has long acknowledged the paradoxical findings that deliberate attempts to suppress particular thoughts actually increase their occurrence. The unwanted, intrusive thoughts that are a major feature of obsessive disorders, depression, sleep disorders, and a range of other disturbances are of particular clinical concern. The exploration of psychological factors associated with cognitive control is, therefore, clinically relevant. The present paper considers the role of mental control and thought suppression in bulimia nervosa in explaining the occurrence of unwanted thoughts and feelings, specifically in relation to weight, shape, and food. Our fundamental argument is that suppression of thoughts of food, weight, and body shape can lead to the increased frequency of these thoughts. The increase in unwanted thoughts is likely to result in a loss of control over eating, and lead to the escalation and perpetuation of bulimia. Dietary restriction is likely to be associated with successful suppression, and binge-eating with failed suppression. Indeed, the initial success of suppression paradoxically causes its inevitable failure. We conclude that the suppression of thoughts of food and weight or shape in bulimia nervosa is maladaptive and counterproductive. In addition, the therapeutic implications of thought suppression are considered.
20 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that there is much to be gained from viewing sexual offending simply as a problem behavior process rather than as a relapse or offense, and the current form of the broad relapse prevention model as applied to sex offenders is described and, in concert with other papers in this issue, raises the important issue of motivation for treatment.
Abstract: Relapse prevention (RP) has become the most popular model for structuring the treatment of sex offenders. It is therefore appropriate to examine, in some detail, the model's adequacy and application. The papers brought together in this special issue cover several themes. First, the belief is reflected that, to progress, models and their component elements need to be subjected to critical scrutiny from a theoretical perspective. Second, the empirical support for the application of the model needs to be examined, particularly in comparison to other treatment approaches. Third, the current form of the broad RP model as applied to sex offenders is described and, in concert with other papers in this issue, raises the important issue of motivation for treatment. Finally, we argue that there is much to be gained from viewing sexual offending simply as a problem behavior process rather than as a relapse or offense.
10 citations