Showing papers in "International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology in 2001"

Contextualizing Sex Offender Management Legislation and Policy: Evaluating the Problem of Latent Consequences in Community Notification Laws:

Abstract: Sexual victimization has become one of the most publicized and researched social problems in society. However, potential linkages between the intended and unintended effects of sex offender management legislation have gone largely unaddressed in social science literature. This article addresses these linkages by applying a social-systems model to help better understand the problems of managing sex offenders. Additionally, latent consequences of current and proposed sex offender legislation, including community notification laws, are examined. It is argued that sex offenders (and the community at large) may face a considerable variety of problems not intended by such legislation. In addition, we examine the “one-dimensional monster” stereotype of a sex offender and how this ostracism may discourage offenders from reporting their behavior and seeking counseling. Finally, we provide proposals for addressing these issues with the use of the therapeutic jurisprudence model.

Childhood Cruelty to Animals and Subsequent Violence against Humans

Abstract: Recent studies have offered compelling evidence supporting a relationship between childhood cruelty to animals and later violence against humans. This study investigated whether violent offenders were significantly more likely than nonviolent offenders to have abused animals of various types during childhood. Interviews were conducted with 45 violent and 45 nonviolent offenders incarcerated in a maximum-security prison and randomly selected for this study by institutional staff members. Two data collection instruments were used. The first extracted demographic and social history from the participants. The second was used to gather information regarding cruelty to animals as categorized into four types (wild, farm, pet, and stray). Results indicated that a statistically significant relationship existed between childhood cruelty to animals and later violence against humans. Furthermore, the study found, consistent with prior research, that violent offenders were significantly more likely than nonviolent off...

The Confusion Over Psychopathy (I): Historical Considerations:

Abstract: This article is the first in a two-part series on psychopathy. Psychopathy is an elusive and perplexing psychological construct. Problems posed by this mental disorder are linked to changing historical interpretations impacting the current clinical community’s general understanding of it, especially in relation to Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD). Accordingly, the researchers provide a thorough analytical review of the major transitions associated with psychopathy’s historical development. This assessment demonstrates where and how the nomenclature, meaning, degree of social condemnation, and prognosis for this mental disorder have changed. Ultimately, this article clarifies much of the uncertainty surrounding this misunderstood psychological construct.

Explaining Paraphilias and Lust Murder: Toward an Integrated Model

Abstract: The literature on sexual homicide and serial murder has offered mostly descriptive or anecdotal accounts. What seems to underscore these crimes is a series of paraphilias (i.e., sexually deviant behaviors) that give rise to violent conduct. The motivational model of Burgess et al. and the trauma-control model of Hickey indicate as much in their respective sexual homicide and serial murder typologies. However, neither model offers a detailed conceptual account of the etiology and process of paraphilias, especially in relationship to lust murder, or erotophonophilia. This article attempts to fill this gap in the research. The authors demonstrate how the motivational and trauma-control typologies are assimilable, making possible an integrated theoretical paraphilic schema. The authors explain how paraphilias as a system of behavior function as motive in the sexually sadistic act of lust murder. They conclude by exploring the implications of their conceptual synthesis for clinical forensic treatment and law e...

Eight-Year Comparative Analyses of Adolescent Rapists, Adolescent Child Molesters, Other Adolescent Delinquents, and the General Population

Abstract: This study involved an 8-year comparative analysis of sexual assault among adolescent perpetrators of sexual assault against children, adolescent perpetrators of rape against same age or older peers, other adolescent delinquents, and the general population. Results of this study found that adolescent sex offenders were significantly more likely to sexually reoffend in the 8-year period after their release from a juvenile correctional facility than were a control group of other non–sex offending adolescent delinquents from the same institution. Juvenile non-sex offenders, child sexual offenders, and adolescent rapists were all found to be significantly more likely to be involved in sexual assaults than was the general male population in the United States.

The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Adult Offenders: A Methodological, Quality-Based Review

Abstract: Previous research on cognitive skills treatment programs has not included a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of these programs in reducing recidivism. This article reviews recent recidivism studies for two rehabilitation programs: Moral Reconation Therapy, which attempts to reduce recidivism by increasing the moral reasoning abilities of offenders, and Reasoning and Rehabilitation, which aims to educate offenders to change underlying criminogenic thoughts and attitudes. Using the Maryland Scale for Scientific Rigor, these studies were evaluated for their methodological strength and for the program’s success in reducing the recidivism of offenders. In considering the findings and the strength of the methods for each program, this review concludes that Moral Reconation Therapy and Reasoning and Rehabilitation programs appear to be successful approaches to reducing recidivism.

Classifying Child Abusers: Its Relevance to Theory and Clinical Practice

Abstract: A major problem in the development of an adequate theory of the sexual offence process is the heterogeneity of offenders. This lack of a clear understanding of both why and how people sexually offend against children continues to hinder the development of effective methods of intervention for these individuals. The aim of this article is to critically review some of the approaches that have been adopted in an attempt to provide a reliable and valid classification system for child molesters and to consider the impact that such systems have had on the structuring of interventions to meet the differing needs of this client group.

An Examination of Cross-National Variation in Punitiveness

Abstract: This research examines why nations differ as to rates of imprisonment, prison conditions, and use of capital punishment. Variables representing the major theoretical perspectives are used to examine differences in a much larger sample of nations than has been used in previous research. Regression analysis indicates that homicide rates—and, to a lesser degree, total crime rates—have positive associations to prison rates, whereas street-level law enforcement has a negative association. Dummy variables representing nations grouped by geographic region greatly increase variance explained, indicating a historical-cultural component to use of imprisonment. Little to no support was found for civilization theory, inequality, or unemployment variables. Discriminant analysis indicated that degree of human development and freedom as well as inequality helped classify nations according to prison conditions, whereas the freedom variable helped classify nations that did and did not use capital punishment. Dummy geograp...

Validity of the Personality Assessment Inventory for Forensic Assessments

Abstract: The Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) is a relatively newself-report inventory that has become popular in correctional and forensic settings. The utility of thePAI for forensic assessments was investigated in a sample of 127 adult male forensic psychiatric patients. Theoretically relevant PAI scales and subscales were used as predictors of criterion variables of violence, lifetime diagnosis of psychosis, and lifetime diagnosis of personality disorder. Moderate support for the validity of the PAI was found, in that theoretically relevant PAI (sub)scales tended to predict criterion variables, and theoretically unrelated (sub)scales tended not to. The PAI appears to be able to discriminate on major conceptual dimensions in a forensic setting. A clinical description of the sample, based on PAI scales, is also presented.

Predictors of Treatment Completion in a Correctional Sex Offender Treatment Program

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine what factors increase the likelihood that a sex offender will complete a correctional sex offender treatment program. Participants were 179 incarcerated adult male sex offenders who volunteered to participate in a sex offender treatment program. The two groups evaluated were treatment completers and noncompleters. By examining archival records the following data were collected: scores on the Multiphasic Sex Inventory II (MSI II), the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), the Abel and Becker Adult Sexual Interest Card Sort, and plethysmograph. Demographic information was obtained from presentence investigation reports. Results from a logistic regression indicate that more years of education, not having a history of sexual victimization, and lower levels of minimizing or excusing sexual crimes predict treatment completion (p < .05). These results suggest that it is possible to predict which incarcerated sex offenders are likely to complete a prison-base...

Adult Attachment Style and Pedophilia: A Developmental Perspective:

Abstract: In this study, attachment theory was applied to three samples: male university students (controls), male nonoffending victims of sexual assault, and convicted male pedophiles. Adult attachment styles are investigated along with developmental histories of neglect, punishment, and sexual and physical abuse. It is proposed that adult attachment styles will differ among the pedophiles and the other two groups, and the duration of participants’ adult sexual relationships would vary with the amount of sexual and other trauma that they reported experiencing as young people. If these were confirmed, it would indicate that attachment style was a significant factor in the developmental history of pedophiles and male victims of sexual assault. The results of this study indicated that the victims and controls experienced more security of attachment than the pedophiles, who were found to have an insecure attachment style. Victims and pedophiles were found to have experienced similar levels of early abuse and trauma.

Family Interventions with Incarcerated Youth: A Review of the Literature:

Abstract: Juvenile delinquency is a widespread societal problem threatening the well-being of families and communities throughout the country. In 1997, approximately 125,000 juveniles were incarcerated in public and private residential facilities as a result of a law violation. The rearrest rate for juveniles illustrates the need to develop effective interventions for incarcerated youth and their families. Although treatments focusing on the family as a unit may be more effective than individual treatment with delinquent youth, it is often difficult to involve families in the treatment process while juvenile offenders are incarcerated. This article discusses familial influences on delinquent and antisocial behavior, provides a review and critique of the literature related to family intervention models for juvenile offenders, and discusses treatment dilemmas in working with incarcerated juvenile offenders. A pilot project comparing the effectiveness of a conjoint family intervention and a systemic individual interve...

Factors That Discriminate between Recidivists, Parole Violators, and Nonrecidivists in a 3-Year Follow-Up of Boot Camp Graduates

Abstract: The authors conducted a study of recidivism of 480 male graduates, aged 16 to 40 years, of a boot camp in the South. Discriminant analysis was used to determine what factors discriminated between three outcomes in a 3-year follow-up: (a) nonrecidivists, (b) recidivists who had committed additional crime after graduation from boot camp, and (c) parole violators. Analyses indicated that present age, age when unlawful behavior began, incarceration as a juvenile, several personality deficits, peer influence, and perceptions of boot camp merely as an expedient avenue to release discriminated between recidivists and the other two groups. Self-esteem, self-efficacy, resilience, expectations of future success, and favorable perceptions of various aspects of the boot camp experience distinguished nonrecidivists from others. Practice and policy implications of these findings are discussed.

Decisions Not to Report Sexual Assault: A Comparative Study among Women Living in Japan Who Are Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and English-Speaking:

Abstract: A nationwide survey was conducted comparing Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and English-speaking women in Japan Variables focused on demographics, attitudes, social conditions, and culture Japanese women had a different pattern of behavior from the other three groups The greatest differences were between Japanese and English-speaking The main reasons given for not reporting were the following: victim did not take the event seriously, victim thought she was too young, victim thought reporting would cause trouble, victim expected rude police, victim expected embarrassment, victim expected police to violate her confidentiality, victim expected offender’s revenge, and victim expected that the offender/acquaintance would get into trouble These data suggest a much larger dark figure of sexual assault than is reported, especially among those who are not Japanese and those whose offenders were known Police statistics do not accurately reflect the number of women sexually assaulted, nor is there any systematic in

The Effect of Time on the Disciplinary Adjustment of Women in Prison

Abstract: The number of women in state and federal prisons has doubled in the past 10 years (from approximately 40,000 to more than 87,000), yet research on women in prisons is extremely limited, especially with regard to women in maximum-security institutions. Significant studies on women inmates have focused on inmates’ adaptation to prison life and the development of kinship groups while incarcerated. A few studies have examined the disciplinary behavior of female inmates, by comparing female inmates with male inmates. However, there exists little research on the temporal patterns of disciplinary behavior among women inmates, which was the focus of this article.

The Stabilization of Self-Esteem among Incarcerated Adolescents: Accommodative and Immunizing Processes

Abstract: The negative effect of a custodial sentence on juvenile self-esteem is discussed. It is argued that individual coping resources offer an explanation for the inconclusive findings of earlier studies in this field. Findings of a cross-sectional study of 299 prisoners (14 to 24 years) are presented. The results show that the stability of self-esteem during incarceration depends on both accommodative and immunizing coping reactions. Prisoners who do not possess at least one of these coping resources show particularly low self-esteem at the start of their term of imprisonment. This creates the misleading impression that for the average individual, selfesteem increases during a period of custody. The study also shows that in the latter period of a prison term, accommodative coping resources also tend to support an increase in immunizing reactions. Implications for longitudinal studies and for practical interventions in the juvenile custody system are discussed.

The Prevalence and Comorbidity of Axis I and Axis II Pathology in a Group of Forensic Patients

Abstract: In this study, the prevalence of a broad range of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, third edition, revised (DSM-III-R) Axis I disorders (Composite International Disorder Interview) and all Axis II disorders (International Personality Disorder Examination) is determined with standardized, semistructured interviews of a group of 39 male forensic inpatients. Substance abuse (75.7%) and mood (51.3%) and anxiety (40.3%) disorders were the most prevalent Axis I disorders. Of Axis II disorders, 86.8% evinced a personality disorder most often from the B cluster. A high percentage of the participants received the diagnosis “personality disorder not otherwise specified” (42.1%). There was a high level of comorbidity of mood and anxiety disorders with personality (61%) and substance abuse (47%) disorders. Compared with the general population, the prevalence rates of the separate disorders found among these forensic participants are much higher. The results of this study emphasize the importance ...

The Confusion over Psychopathy (II): Implications for Forensic (Correctional) Practice

Abstract: This article is the second in a two-part series on psychopathy. The first article systematically, although provisionally, reviewed the major transitions associated with psychopathy’s historical development, focusing on how changes in nomenclature, meaning, degree of social condemnation, and prognosis significantly affect the current understanding of this mental disorder. This article assesses the most pressing forensic practice issues stemming from the convoluted history of psychopathy. In particular, this article comments on assessment concerns related to the convergence and divergence of the antisocial personality disorder–psychopathy continuum, on diagnostic and treatment concerns related to countertransference and misdiagnosis, and on courtroom testimony concerns related to competent forensic evaluations particularly when clinical assessments of sexually violent predators are administered. On this latter point, this article explores the limits of the Hare Psychopathy Checklist–Revised, especially in r...

Victimological Developments in the World during the Past Three Decades: A Study of Comparative Victimology–Part 2

Abstract: During the past three decades, 10 international symposia on victimology have taken place in different parts of the world. This article presents in two parts a comprehensive over- view of the discussion results of these symposia and of the most important literature contributions to criminological victimization research over the past three decades. In the first part of the report, the risk and causes of victimization are discussed. In this second part of the article, the deliberation of damage suffered by the victims—the negative psychical and social effects— is emphasized. Damage suffered by the indirect victim (covictim) is highlighted. The significance of the victim-offender sequence is mitigated to a certain extent. As far as recidivist victimization is concerned, the model of the victim career is developed. The constitutional and procedural legal rights of the victims and potential victims are elucidated.

Restructuring Sex Offender Sentencing: A Therapeutic Jurisprudence Approach to the Criminal Justice Process

Abstract: Although the notion of providing specialized treatment to sex offenders has been widely, and at times enthusiastically, embraced by lawmakers and criminal justice professionals, the larger criminal justice system often maintains and fosters policies and mandates that act as disincentives for offenders to seek out or participate meaningfully in specialized sex offender treatment. This article employs the therapeutic jurisprudence perspective in examining many of the issues and problems associated with adjudicating and treating sex offenders and presents a “treatment track” or deferred sentencing model, which while primarily focusing on offender adjudication, prioritizes the therapeutic needs of offenders and emphasizes the interrelated nature of various criminal justice system components associated with sex offender cases and each component’s potential therapeutic impact on the others.

Violent Sex Offenders Lack Male Social Support

Abstract: Social networks and social support generally exert an important impact on the management of crisis and may thus influence prevention and rehabilitation strategies. The authors therefore investigated the social network and support in a group of 62 incarcerated sexual offenders. Irrespective of the underlying diagnosis, offenders were divided into a high-violent group and a low-violent group. A factor analysis resulted in five factors describing specific dimensions of social support. A significantly lower perceived social support was found in the high-violent group as compared with the low-violent offenders concerning the factors “talking about problems and feelings to someone” and “rely on someone.” This low support exclusively referred to men outside the family. Neither the number of previous convictions nor length of prior imprisonment predicted the amount of displayed violence. The authors’ results are compared with those in the pertinent literature and are discussed in light of relevant therapeutic str...

Intimate Partner and Nonintimate Violence History Among Drug-Using, Incarcerated Men

Abstract: There has been limited research focused on examining intimate and nonintimate violence perpetration patterns among incarcerated men. The purpose of this applied research study was to examine demographic, family, mental health, drug use, and criminal justice history among three groups of drug-using, incarcerated men: (a) those who report no violence of any kind (n = 47), (b) those who report nonintimate-only violence (n = 164), and (c) those who report both intimate and nonintimate violence—generally violent men (n = 298). There were very few men in this sample who reported perpetrating only intimate partner violence; thus, they were excluded from further comparisons. Results indicated the no-violence men were less antisocial, less drug involved, and reported fewer emotional problems and less family conflict. Generally, violent men reported more drug use, emotional problems, family conflict, and abuse victimization experiences than either the nonintimate-only violence or the no-violence groups. Implication...

Efficacy of a Decompression Treatment Model in the Clinical Management of Violent Juvenile Offenders

Abstract: Criminal recidivism was assessed for 10 highly disruptive and aggressive, incarcerated juvenile offenders who received decompression treatment, for 10 matched controls who received mental health treatment services, and for 10 assessment-only controls. Treated participants were matched with controls on a number of demographic, behavioral, and personality variables. Decompression treatment was developed to improve the institutional adjustment of mentally disordered adult offenders and is adapted here for juvenile offenders. Participants in the decompression treatment and usual treatment groups were both significantly less likely to recidivate in the approximately 2-year follow-up period than were assessment-only subjects who received mental health assessment only and received the usual juvenile corrections rehabilitation services (10%, 20%, and 70% recidivism, respectively). The results suggest that decompression treatment may be successfully applied to the most unmanageable and disruptive institutionalized...

Personality Characteristics and Adaptive Strategies to Cope with Negative Emotional States and Deviant Sexual Fantasies in Sexual Aggressors

Abstract: Research has shown that personality is related to strategies used to cope with stressful situations. No study, however, has investigated the link between personality and coping strategies learned in treatment programs. Consequently, the aim of this study was to determine whether the personality of sexual aggressors was related to the strategies used to cope with negative emotional states and deviant sexual fantasies. Personality was assessed using the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory–I and coping strategies with the Coping Strategy Report. Two personality profiles were identified: dramatic and anxious. Results showed that respondents with an anxious profile were less likely to use strategies to cope with conflicts and were less effective in coping with deviant sexual fantasies. Moreover, respondents with an anxious profile reported avoidance strategies as most effective to cope with negative moods, whereas those with a dramatic profile reported approach strategies as most effective.

The Contribution of Family Adversity and Verbal IQ to Criminal Behavior

Abstract: Several scholars have employed the risk factor prevention paradigm in identifying risk factors and protective factors that increase and decrease the odds of offending. Farrington suggested that multiplicative interactions of such factors should be explored in an attempt to understand how they are linked to differential offending behaviors such as offending prevalence and early onset of offending. The authors examine Moffitt’s interactional hypothesis that states that two specific risk factors, verbal IQ and family adversity, interact to increase the probability of particular types of criminal behavior. Using data from the Philadelphia portion of the Collaborative Perinatal Project of 987 African American youth, logistic regression analyses indicate that the combined effect of verbal IQ and family adversity did not significantly increase the odds of becoming an offender, whereas the combined effect of low verbal IQ scores at age 7 and family adversity significantly increased the odds of early onset of offe...

Illegal Chinese Immigration into the United States: A Preliminary Factor Analysis

Abstract: Since August 1991, a new type of international criminal activity, using oceangoing ships, has appeared. Illegal Chinese immigrants are entering various countries throughout the world, including the United States. This new wave of illegal global migration has promoted several social problems in the countries and areas affected: unauthorized employment, substandard housing, political asylum schemes, and related crimes such as murder, kidnapping, ganging, and prostitution. This article will analyze some of the causal factors that lead to the situation. Furthermore, a theoretical explanation of the “demand and supply/pull and push” model will be discussed. Finally, some countermeasures are offered as policy recommendations to combat or curtail this worldwide smuggling operation. Based on a content analysis and personal interviews with illegal Chinese immigrants, the current article suggests that this new crime phenomenon involves transnational criminal groups. It results from the demand for cheap labor in Chi...

Motivation and Sex Offender Treatment Efficacy: Leading a Horse to Water and Making It Drink?

Abstract: The authors conducted a study to analyze the outcome of a cognitive behavioral treatment program for incarcerated sex offenders. Specifically, the study aimed to determine whether motivation to participate in the program had an impact on the reduction of cognitive distortions (CDs). Seven CDs were analyzed in pretreatment and posttreatment assessments, and the treatment was considered effective for offenders who eliminated more than half of the CDs by the end of the program. The results showed comparable success rates for sex offenders with adult victims who were and were not motivated to change their offending behavior. Motivation did have an effect on offenders with child victims, although the reasons for this are unclear and should be explored with a larger sample of offenders.

Restoration to Competency Practice Guidelines

Abstract: Courts frequently adjudicate criminal defendants as incompetent to stand trial and order defendants to psychiatric hospitals for treatment and education designed to restore the defendant to competence. However, little information is available on effective restoration to competency techniques. This article summarizes the existing literature on restoration to competency programs, describes a competency restoration program at one Ohio hospital, and offers basic restoration to competency practice guidelines that may be applied to any facility performing competency restoration.

Balagan: Delinquency as a Result of the Lack of a Center of Norms and Consciousness

Abstract: From interviews with prisoners and ex-prisoners in Israel, it emerges that their delinquency was an outcome of what is called in many languages, including Hebrew,balagan (a chaotic or messy life). The balagan is caused by a lack of moral and behavioral centers, and it is characterized by confusing and contradictory norms of criminal and noncriminal behavior. This conclusion is inconsistent with theories that explain criminality in terms of cultural perspective, but it fits the center theory and the theories of social control. The balagan was mainly expressed by contradictions between their attitudes and behavior, as well as between their positive images and criminal acts. None of the convicts and ex-convicts justified breaking the law, but they attempted to minimize their responsibility by means of justifications and excuses. This study is based on phenomenological interviews conducted with 25 prisoners and 50 former prisoners who underwent programs of rehabilitation in kibbutzim and in yeshivot in Israel.

When Parents Kill: An Analysis of Filicides in Fiji

Abstract: Despite the burgeoning literature on filicide, little research exists on parental murders in small, non-Western societies. This study adds to the scant extant information and contributes to a full understanding of the topic by examining offense patterns and victim and offender characteristics in the South Pacific island of Fiji. The findings indicate that filicidal parents were overwhelmingly female, young, and of low socioeconomic background. Filicide offenses were the culmination of excessive corporal child-control strategies, unwanted pregnancy, and stresses and strains associated with severe marital disharmony. Posthomicidal suicide attempts occurred in 10% of the cases. These findings are discussed in relation to the growing literature in the field. The author concludes that further research in other societies is necessary if we are to understand the full range of factors that contribute to parents’ homicidal assaults on their offspring.