Abstract:Most structured sex-offender programs are based on a cognitive-behavioural model of behaviour change. Within this overarching theoretical paradigm, extensive use of cognitive distortions is seen as a central core symptom among sex offenders. However, the literature on cognitive distortions lacks a clear and consistent definition of the term. It is unclear whether cognitive distortions are consciously employed excuses or unconscious processes serving to protect the offender from feelings of guilt or shame. In t… Show more
“…Waldram () previously suggested that cognitive distortions may serve the purpose of supporting the offender's morale via a narrative approach. A similar suggestion was made by Friestad (), who suggested that cognitive distortions could be indicative of an attributional bias.…”
Section: Treatment Studiessupporting
confidence: 74%
“…Furthermore, a recent meta-analysis found that programs that utilize arousal reconditioning had larger treatment effects (Gannon et al, 2019). As cognitive distortions can start and maintain sexual offense patterns (Hazama & Katsuta, 2019;O'Ciardha & Ward, 2013), CBT is often included in sex offender treatment programs to address cognitive distortions (Friestad, 2012). In Western cultures, the most common cognitive distortions were denial or minimization of guilt, problematic sexual interests, harm to victims, responsibility for the offenses, and need for treatment (Nunes & Jung, 2013).…”
Research on the treatment and programs for people who have committed sexual offenses has greatly increased in the past decade. The aim of this review is to discuss research that has been published over that period (2010–2019) that is relevant for treatment providers. The articles included in this review were found through PsycINFO and PubMed (Medline) using the keywords “treatment or therapy” and “sex offen*”. The inclusion criteria were publications that discuss treatment of persons who have committed sexual offenses (written in the English language only). Any articles that examined only special populations were excluded, such as those that examined persons who committed sexual offenses who were female, had intellectual disabilities, deafness, juveniles, etc., because these groups will likely have needs and responsivity factors that differ from the “average” natal‐born male sex offender. Results showed that several meta‐analyses indicate that treatment is effective in reducing sexual recidivism. The most frequently used treatment for sex offenders is cognitive behavioral therapy, which is often provided in conjunction with pharmacological treatment to reduce sexual impulsivity and/or sex drive. This review is limited to the specific key search terms. The findings of this review support the use of treatment and a community reintegration approach when treating persons who have committed sexual crimes to prevent sexual recidivism.
“…Waldram () previously suggested that cognitive distortions may serve the purpose of supporting the offender's morale via a narrative approach. A similar suggestion was made by Friestad (), who suggested that cognitive distortions could be indicative of an attributional bias.…”
Section: Treatment Studiessupporting
confidence: 74%
“…Furthermore, a recent meta-analysis found that programs that utilize arousal reconditioning had larger treatment effects (Gannon et al, 2019). As cognitive distortions can start and maintain sexual offense patterns (Hazama & Katsuta, 2019;O'Ciardha & Ward, 2013), CBT is often included in sex offender treatment programs to address cognitive distortions (Friestad, 2012). In Western cultures, the most common cognitive distortions were denial or minimization of guilt, problematic sexual interests, harm to victims, responsibility for the offenses, and need for treatment (Nunes & Jung, 2013).…”
Research on the treatment and programs for people who have committed sexual offenses has greatly increased in the past decade. The aim of this review is to discuss research that has been published over that period (2010–2019) that is relevant for treatment providers. The articles included in this review were found through PsycINFO and PubMed (Medline) using the keywords “treatment or therapy” and “sex offen*”. The inclusion criteria were publications that discuss treatment of persons who have committed sexual offenses (written in the English language only). Any articles that examined only special populations were excluded, such as those that examined persons who committed sexual offenses who were female, had intellectual disabilities, deafness, juveniles, etc., because these groups will likely have needs and responsivity factors that differ from the “average” natal‐born male sex offender. Results showed that several meta‐analyses indicate that treatment is effective in reducing sexual recidivism. The most frequently used treatment for sex offenders is cognitive behavioral therapy, which is often provided in conjunction with pharmacological treatment to reduce sexual impulsivity and/or sex drive. This review is limited to the specific key search terms. The findings of this review support the use of treatment and a community reintegration approach when treating persons who have committed sexual crimes to prevent sexual recidivism.
“…, p.6) is identified as a common feature of the initial process of desistance. Therefore, reflecting on one's own life history – reassessing where one is now and where one wants to be – involves this subjective narrative, a conversation with, and examination of, the self that carries ‘the potential of influencing future action’ (Friestad , p.473). In short, it is hard for anyone unpractised in these subjective skills, to think about one's own feelings or imagine the feelings of others (Adshead ), or reflect on the impact of these feelings and actions on others (McKendy ; Pryor ).…”
Section: Subjective Changes and Identity Transformationmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Emotional learning increases knowledge about oneself and the ‘act of analysis inevitably alters the experience and the learning that flows from it’ (Rose, Loewenthal and Greenwood , p.444). Therefore, narrative takes on importance as the ‘vehicle through which selfhood is created and recreated’ (Friestad , p.475). As one offender who had attended the reading group‐based activity put it: I have gained more insight and knowledge here than anywhere else.…”
Keywords: creative cultural arts-based activities; desistance; offenders; prison-based projects This article begins by linking the central themes embedded in the desistance literature to the potential impacts of engagement in creative arts-based activities for prisoners. Qualitative data are used to highlight how participation in these activities can operate as a vehicle for realising the subjective and reflective capacities essential for the process of eliciting genuine engagement with prisoners' own desistance journeys. The article goes on to highlight that it is in the sphere of contributing to the desistance subjective changes and identity transformation narrative journey, not attribution to reducing reoffending rates, that creative arts-based activities' most significant impacts can be utilised. In alignment with the tradition of the desistance paradigm, the article concludes that arts-based outcomes are most effectively evidenced through nuanced, ethnographic qualitative data collection methodologies which include offenders as assets in both the desistance process and in evaluation methodology design.
The Desistance Literature
“…Cognitive distortions are beliefs that support sexual offending including justifications and excuses (Nunes & Jung, 2012) that can occur unconsciously or consciously (Friestad, 2012;Wright & Schneider, 1999). Often, definitions of cognitive distortions include denial and minimization, however they appear to be distinct concepts.…”
Men who commit sexual offenses against children may engage in denial and minimization that relates to an increased risk to reoffend or as an adaptive response in an adversarial environment. To better understand how and when denial may be related to risk, its function must first be understood. The current study examined the association between denial and factors indicating denial as a risk factor or as an adaptive response among 29 adult men who had committed a sexual offense against a child. Contrary to hypotheses, denial was negatively related to callous-interpersonal traits of psychopathy, and largely unrelated to self-esteem. In line with hypotheses, denial was negatively related to self-identification as a sexual offender and negatively related with attitudes towards sexual offenders. The current study's findings may be consistent with an adaptive use of denial, which has implications for treatment and management decisions.
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