Exploring Heterogeneity Among Deniers: Does Denial Predict Sexual Offender Recidivism Among Distinct Groups of Deniers?

Abstract

In the sexual offender literature, researchers have theorized numerous distinctions between groups of offenders who deny offence responsibility and varying reasons as to why they deny. However, few studies have empirically examined the heterogeneity of deniers or applicability of prior typologies. The purpose of the current study was to provide a more nuanced understanding of the heterogeneity of deniers through developing a profile of their risk using the Static-99R and VRAG-R. Results from a latent class analysis identified four distinct risk profiles, labeled Moderately Sexually Deviant (22.5%), Generally Antisocial (13.1%) Diverse Risk (27.6%) and Generally Low-Risk (36.7%). The risk profiles were then compared using pseudo-class draws methods, revealing differences in Attachment to convention and rates of sexual and sexual (including violent) recidivism. Similarities and distinctions between denier subgroups and prior theorized models of denial are discussed.