Cognitive distortions and recidivism in sexual offenders against children
Cognitive distortions and recidivism in sexual offenders against children

Summary/Abstract: Aim. The purpose of the study was to examine if cognitive distortions of various content presented by sexual offenders against children are related with sexual recidivism risk and actual recidivism. To extend the reliability of the interpretation of its results, differences in the number of cognitive distortions exhibited by sexual offenders against children and controls and relation between cognitive distortions measured explicitly and implicitly are also examined. Method. 64 sexual offenders against children, 46 sexual offenders against adults, 74 nonsexual violent offenders, and 68 non-offending males participated in the study. Explicit and implicit cognitive distortions were measured by two newly created instruments. Sexual recidivism risk were assessed using Static-99. Data on conviction and actual recidivism were drawn from penitentiary files. Results. Implicit and explicit cognitive distortions were mostly unrelated. Offenders showed more cognitive distortions than non-offending males. Cognitive distortions were not associated with static sexual recidivism risk. In explicit measurement sexual recidivists showed more cognitive distortions of all types with sexual content than non-recidivists. Conclusion. Results of the study suggests that cognitive distortions with sexual content are criminogenic need. Thus, tackling them in treatment shall be contemplated.

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