Protective Strengths, Risk, and Recidivism in a Sample of Known Sexual Offenders

The relationship between protective strengths and risk, as assessed by the Inventory of Offender Risk, Needs, and Strengths, was examined with respect to the recidivism rate and type of reoffense in a sample of 110 adult males incarcerated for sexual offenses. 

The sample included offenders who were completing a prison-based sexual offense treatment program during the last 18 months of their incarceration. Approximately 40% of the sample recidivated in some way, including 6% sexually, within the 6-year follow-up time. Self-perceived protective strengths were significantly valid predictors for sexual, violent, and general recidivism. In regression analyses, protective strengths accounted for a unique portion of the variance in sexual recidivism while controlling for overall risk. 

Consistent with research on the importance of protective strengths with other offender types, the continued study and inclusion of protective strengths in the assessment and treatment of sexual offenders is warranted.

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By:   Miller HA1.

• 1Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA hmiller@shsu.edu. 

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Gender Differences in the Association between Childhood Physical & Sexual Abuse, Social Support & Psychosis

Childhood adversity (variously defined) is a robust risk factor for psychosis, yet the mitigating effects of social support in adulthood have not yet been explored. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between childhood sexual and physical abuse and adult psychosis, and gender differences in levels of perceived social support.

A sample of 202 individuals presenting for the first time to mental health services with psychosis and 266 population-based controls from south-east London and Nottingham, UK, was utilised. The Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire was used to elicit retrospective reports of exposure to childhood adversity, and the Significant Others Questionnaire was completed to collect information on the current size of social networks and perceptions of emotional and practical support.

There was evidence of an interaction between severe physical abuse and levels of support (namely, number of significant others; likelihood ratio test χ² = 3.90, p = 0.048). When stratified by gender, there were no clear associations between childhood physical or sexual abuse, current social support and odds of psychosis in men. In contrast, for women, the highest odds of psychosis were generally found in those who reported severe abuse and low levels of social support in adulthood. However, tests for interaction by gender did not reach conventional levels of statistical significance.

These findings highlight the importance of investigating the potential benefits of social support as a buffer against the development of adult psychosis amongst those, particularly women, with a history of early life stress.

Full article at: http://goo.gl/LLOKuC

By: Charlotte Gayer-Anderson, Helen L. Fisher, Paul Fearon, Gerard Hutchinson, Kevin Morgan, Paola Dazzan, Jane Boydell, Gillian A. Doody, Peter B. Jones, Robin M. Murray, Thomas K. Craig, and Craig Morgan

Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK

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Child Sexual Abuse among Adolescents in Southeast Nigeria: A Concealed Public Health Behavioral Issue

Child sexual abuse among adolescents is an often overlooked issue in pediatrics, yet it is a major cause of low self esteem and stigmatization in adolescents. The objective of this study was to determine the socioeconomic determinant and pattern of child sexual abuse among adolescent attending secondary schools in South East Nigeria.

This was a cross-sectional study that was carried out among children in three secondary schools in Enugu and Ebonyi states of Nigeria. Five hundred and six adolescents who met inclusion criteria were consecutively recruited into our prospective study between June and October, 2014.

One hundred and ninety nine (40 %) of the respondents had been abused and the commonest form of abuse was to look at pornographic pictures, drawings, films, videotapes or magazine 93(18.4%). Fifty eight (11.5%) adolescents stated that they were abused once with age at first exposure being 7-12 years 57 (11.4%). When grouped together, family members and relatives are perpetrators of child sexual abuse. There was significant difference in sex abuse between males and females (p=0.014) while there were no significant difference for age (p=0.157) and social class (p=0.233).

Overall prevalence and one time prevalence rates of sexual abuse among adolescents in south east Nigeria was 40% and 11.5% respectively with male perpetrators. There is no link between socioeconomic class, age and child sexual abuse among adolescents.

Table-II

Forms of sex abuse.

Variables	Yes	No	No answer
Different ways of sex abuse	n(%)	n(%)	n(%)
Demanding you or forcing you to (look at his/her genitals	81(16.0)	371(73.3)	54(10.7)
Undress and show him/her your genitals	70(13.8)	386(76.3)	50(9.9)
Watch him/her masturbate	60(11.9)	385(76.1)	61(12.1)
Undress with another child and fondle each other in front of him/her	67(13.2)	382(75.5)	57(11.3)
Be fondled (caresses, rubs, kisses on the whole body and/or his/her genitals)	76(15.0)	374(73.9)	56(11.1)
Fondle him/her caresses, rubs, kisses on the whole body and or his/her genitals	82(16.2)	368(72.7)	56(11.1)
Look at pornographic pictures, drawings, films, videotapes or magazine	93(18.4)	360(71.1)	53(10.5)
Be naked and to expose your genitals for picture taking or filming	85(16.8)	371(73.3)	50(9.9)
Submit to full sexual intercourse with penetration	74(14.6)	372(73.5)	60(11.9)
Submit to having his/her fingers or on object introduced in your body	66(13.0)	384(75.9)	56(11.1)

Table-III

Experience with sexual abuse and perpetuators of sex abuse.

Variables	Frequency	Percent
Experience with sexual abuse Number of times it happened to you
Once	58	11.5
2-5 times	25	4.9
6-10 times	17	3.4
>10 times	24	4.7
can’t remember	75	14.8
Never happened to me	307	60.7
Your age when it happened the first time
≤6 years	29	5.7
7-12 years	57	11.4
>12years	82	16.2
can’t remember	31	6.1
Never happened to me	307	60.7
Presently still being exposed to sexual abuse
Yes	68	13.4
No	131	25.9
Never happened to me	307	60.7
Those that has stopped, your age the last time it happened to you
≤6 years	18	3.6
7-12 years	60	11.9
>12years	80	15.8
can’t remember	41	60.7
Never happened to me	307	60.7
Variables	Frequency	Percent
The person that perpetuated the abuse	n=199
Stranger	39	19.6
Baby sitter	20	10.1
Family friend	39	19.6
Neighbor	54	27.1
Teacher	30	15.1
Instructor	15	7.5
Peer	35	17.6
Father or Mother	33	16.6
Step father or Stepmother	18	9.0
Mother’s or Father’s friend	23	11.6
Brother or Sister	23	11.6
Half-brother or Half sister	19	9.5
Uncle or Aunt	19	9.5
Grandfather or Grand mother	17	8.5
Someone else	32	16.1
Perpetuators of sex abuse (Groups)	n=199
Family members	127	63.8
Friends	97	48.7
Neighbors	74	37.2
Teacher/Instructor	45	22.6
Others	71	35.7

Full article at:  http://goo.gl/ANEAqv

By: Manyike Pius C,1 Chinawa Josephat M,2 Aniwada Elias,3 Odutola Odetunde I,4 and Chinawa T. Awoere5

²Chinawa Josephat M, College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Nigeria/University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku- Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria

³Aniwada Elias, Department Of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku- Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria

⁴Odutola Odetunde I, College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Nigeria/University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku- Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria

⁵

1Manyike Pius C, College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Federal Teaching Hospital Abakiliki, Nigeria

2Chinawa Josephat M, College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Nigeria/University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku- Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria

3Aniwada Elias, Department Of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku- Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria

4Odutola Odetunde I, College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Nigeria/University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku- Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria

5Chinawa T. Awoere, Department Of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku- Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria

1Manyike Pius C, College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Federal Teaching Hospital Abakiliki, Nigeria

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Extradyadic Sexual Involvement & Sexual Compulsivity in Male & Female Sexual Abuse Survivors

We tested a mediation model in which the relationship between child sexual abuse (CSA) severity and extradyadic sexual involvement (ESI) is explained through sexual compulsivity. 

Participants were 669 adults currently involved in an intimate relationship who completed self-report questionnaires. 

Prevalence of ESI was 32% in women and 57% in men survivors, more than twice the rates among participants with no CSA history. Sexual compulsivity was significantly higher in participants with multiple extradyadic partners as compared to participants reporting only one extradyadic relationship, who nevertheless scored higher than participants reporting no extradyadic partner. 

The hypothesized structural equation model (SEM) was invariant across men and women and indicated CSA severity was positively and significantly associated with sexual compulsivity, which, in turn, predicted ESI. However, there was also a direct association between CSA and ESI. High CSA severity, directly and through high sexual compulsivity, led to the highest probability of ESI.

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By: Vaillancourt-Morel MP1, Dugal C2, Stewart RP1, Godbout N3, Sabourin S1, Lussier Y4, Briere J5.

• 1a École de psychologie , Université Laval.
• 2b Département de psychologie , Université du Québec à Montréal.
• 3e Département de sexologie , Université du Québec à Montréal.
• 4c Département de psychologie , Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières.
• 5d Keck School of Medicine , University of Southern California , Los Angeles. 

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Psychotherapy Experiences of Perpetrators of Child Sexual Abuse

Cynicism about treatment of sex offenders pervades both professional and lay literature. A Cochrane review of randomized controlled trials concluded there is no evidence to support any psychological intervention for sex offenders, but RCT design has limitations for evaluating sex offender treatment. Rarely has a qualitative approach been used to explore perceptions of offenders themselves about their psychotherapy experiences. 

The purpose of this study was to discover the meaning of therapy experiences to 11 community-dwelling perpetrators of child sexual abuse. They had received therapy during incarceration or after release, or both. Secondary analysis was conducted of phenomenological interviews about participants' early life, during which they spontaneously revealed insights gleaned during therapy in adulthood. Rigor of the analysis was enhanced by reading transcripts aloud and thematizing them in an interdisciplinary interpretive group. Five interrelated themes constituted a gestalt comprising the essence of the therapy experience: 

• "This treatment, it's just totally changed my whole world." 
• Themes included: 
• "It just stripped away all the pretense, all the lies, all the manipulation;" 
• "I didn't understand myself; I found out all about myself through this;" 
• "Nobody knew any of my secrets; that (therapy) was the first time that I got to tell my story;" 
• "The group has become a family for me;" and 
• "I'm very ashamed of what I've done; this treatment has really helped me, gave me a second chance." 

These findings stand in contrast to cynicism about sex offender therapy and lend support to the increased optimism expressed by several contemporary scholars

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By: Thomas SP1, Phillips KD2, Blaine SK3.

• 1University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
• 2East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN.
• 3University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN.

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Child Maltreatment and Sexual Risk Behavior: Maltreatment Types and Gender Differences

To compare sexual risk behaviors in maltreated male and female sexually active adolescents with a comparison population and examine whether specific maltreatment experiences were associated with sexual risk behaviors and teen pregnancy.

Data came from the fourth assessment (M = 7.2 years after baseline) of an ongoing longitudinal study with case-control design. The sample was restricted to only the sexually active adolescents, leaving a sample of 251 (n = 82 comparison, n = 169 maltreated, mean age = 18.49 years, SD = 1.46). Maltreatment type was coded from case records, and sexual behaviors were assessed via computerized questionnaire.

• Maltreated youth were significantly younger at first consensual intercourse than comparison youth, and males were younger than females. 
• Maltreated males reported significantly higher number of lifetime sexual partners than maltreated females. 
• Neglected, sexually abused, and physically abused youth were more likely to have had a one-night stand than comparison youth. 
• Sexually abused females were at higher risk of having sex under the influence than other maltreated females. 
• Neglected females were more likely to have ever been pregnant than females with other maltreatment types or comparison females. 
• A higher number of maltreatment victimizations predicted a younger age at first pregnancy involvement for both sexes.

Many maltreated youth continue to be at high risk for engaging in behaviors that may initiate a trajectory of problematic sexual behaviors. The findings highlight maltreated males and neglected females as vulnerable groups that should be targeted in prevention efforts to curtail sexual risk behaviors and prevent teenage pregnancy.

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By: Negriff S1, Schneiderman JU, Trickett PK.

• 1School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
• 
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Forced Sex and Sexual Consent among College Women

Female college students, aged 18-25 years, are at high risk for sexual violence compared with women of other age groups. Lack of clear consent is a preceding and defining component of forced sex and sexual violence. This study explored the association between sexual consent awareness, attitudes, and beliefs and a history of forced sex among a sample of college women. In addition, the level of alcohol use among this group was examined.

A cross-sectional electronic survey was sent to approximately 5900 female students enrolled at a large public university in the northeastern United States. Sexual consent was measured with the Sexual Consent Scale-Revised, and alcohol use was measured with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption Items. Logistic regression models were used to examine the differences in sexual consent scores based on a history of forced sex.

The final sample included 925 students. 

• Twenty-two percent of participants reported a history of forced sex; 
• more than half (59%) reported alcohol use before sexual activity. 
• Women with greater awareness of sexual consent were significantly more likely to have a history of forced sex. 
• Women who utilize more nonverbal, indirect approaches to communicating sexual consent were significantly less likely to have a history of forced sex compared with women with no history of forced sex.

These findings highlight high rates of forced sex and alcohol use in a sample of college women and explicate sexual consent awareness and communication behaviors associated with a history of forced sex.

Via: http://ht.ly/SqunC 

By: Fantasia HC1, Fontenot HB, Sutherland MA, Lee-St John TJ.

• 1Author Affiliations: 1College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Lowell; 2William F. Connell School of Nursing, Boston College; and 3SRI International, Center for Education and Human Services, Education Division, Menlo Park, California.
• 
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Experience of Forced Sex & Subsequent Sexual, Drug & Mental Health Outcomes: African American & Hispanic Women in the Southeastern United States

This cross-sectional study examined African American and Hispanic women's (N = 1,509) self-reports of unwanted forced sex and its association with behavioral and mental health outcomes after the event.

Twenty percent of the women had experienced forced sex (first occurrence at age 15 years or younger for 10%, first occurrence at older than 15 years of age for 10%).

Regardless of when forced sex first occurred, women were more likely to have engaged in unprotected vaginal and anal sex, to have had multiple unprotected sex partners, to have sexually transmitted infections, to have reported binge drinking and illicit drug use, and to exhibit distress and have received mental health counseling.

Forced sex may have wide-ranging behavioral and mental health consequences years later.

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By: Jones D1, Marks G2, Villar-Loubet O1, Weiss SM1, O'Daniels C3, Borkowf CB2, Simpson C4, Adimora AA5, McLellan-Lemal E2.

• 1Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
• 2Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
• 3Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA ; Carter Consulting Inc., Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
• 4School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
• 5Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.