An evaluation of strength-based approaches to the treatment of sex offenders: a review

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to note the basis for the emergence of strength-based approaches (SBA) to the treatment of sex offenders and point to Tony Ward’s Good Lives Model (GLM) as the impetus for these developments. Design/methodology/approach Next, the authors outline the elements of the GLM and of other SBAs. The features of various ways to evaluate treatment programs are discussed and this is followed by an examination of the evidence bearing on the value of the GLM and other SBAs. Findings The authors note that the effects of the GLM are limited to within treatment indices as, to date, there are no long-term outcome evaluations of the model on reducing recidivism. Indeed, there appears to be only one such study of an alternative SBA program. Originality/value The authors conclude that additional outcome studies are needed to evaluate the utility of the switch away from deficit-focused approaches to strength-based models of treatment.

A Long-Term Outcome Assessment of the Effects on Subsequent Reoffense Rates of a Prison-Based CBT/RNR Sex Offender Treatment Program With Strength-Based Elements

“…SBA programs for sex offense clients have implemented the suggestions of Seligman (1998) that treatment should build strengths to compensate for the deficits evident in clients with all manner of psychological disorders. Reviews of these attempts to implement SBAs with these men did not identify any evaluations testifying to their benefits (W. L. Marshall, Marshall, & Olver, 2017).…”

Are Protective Factors Valid Constructs? Interrater Reliability And Construct Validity Of Proposed Protective Factors Against Sexual Reoffending

“…Assessment technology available to professionals working with men known to have committed sex offenses has yet to catch up with strengths-based approaches to treatment and desistance research (Laws & Ward, 2011; Marshall et al, 2017). Commonly used instruments including the Static-99R (Helmus, Thornton, et al, 2012) and Stable-2007 (Fernandez et al, 2014) are composed primarily of risk factors and understood as measures of risk.…”

Does Treatment for Sexual Offending Work?

“…While strength-based psychological approaches, such as the Good Lives Model [ 21 ], are increasingly popular in the criminal justice system, there are almost no longitudinal evaluations examining the effects of these on sexual reoffending [ 22 ]. One exception to this is a recent study by Olver, Marshall, Marshall, and Nicholaichuk which presented a retrospective comparative evaluation of two prison-based sexual offense-focused psychological interventions: Correctional Service Canada’s (CSC) SOTP and an early version of the Rockwood treatment program [ 23 •].…”