Therapeutic Climate of Sexual Offender Treatment Programs

Abstract

A measure of group atmosphere, the Group Environment Scale (GES), was administered to members and leaders of 12 sexual offender treatment groups: 8 were probation programs; 4 were conducted at a long-term residential center. The GES measured the following aspects of group processes: relationships within the group, personal growth of members, and structure of the group. Results suggested that the atmosphere of a group had an important influence on treatment change. A successful group was highly cohesive, was well organized and led, encouraged the open expression of feelings, produced a sense of group responsibility, and instilled a sense of hope in its members. A helpful and supportive leadership style was found to be important in creating an atmosphere in which effective therapy could take place. Overcontrolling leaders were seen to have a detrimental effect upon group climate. It is suggested that the employment of a group process measure, such as the GES, would be a useful inclusion to any outcome evaluation of treatment programs.

Sex Offender Treatment: Therapists' Experiences and Perceptions

“…This approach is reported to be a more positive and rewarding way to relate to offenders, and offenders respond more positively to this approach versus a more punitive one (Beech & Fordham, 1997;Blanchard, 1995;Giovannoni, 1997;Marshall, 1996). Blanchard (1995) said:…”

Relationship Between Therapeutic Climate and Treatment Outcome in Group-Based Sexual Offender Treatment Programs

“…This is consistent with discussions of Yalom (1975), andBelfer andLevendusky (1985). However, in the Beech and Fordham (1997) study, there were a number of different groups providing group treatment in number of different ways. It is therefore necessary to investigate group processes where a consistent package of treatment is provided.…”

“…In support of this, Sawyer (2000) indicates that the relationships and level of support within a group for sexual offenders are instrumental in developing it as a rich therapeutic experience for the offender. Beech and Fordham (1997) reported one of the few studies that have attempted to identify the effect of process on treatment change. They used the Group Environment Scale (GES, Moos, 1986) which measures the following aspects of group processes: relationships within the group, personal growth of members, and structure of the group.…”

The Utility of the Random Controlled Trial for Evaluating Sexual Offender Treatment: The Gold Standard or an Inappropriate Strategy?

“…Beech and his colleagues (Beech and Fordham 1997;Beech and Hamilton-Giachritsis 2005) have demonstrated the important role of the therapist in creating an appropriate group climate for sexual offender treatment. Groups characterized by cohesion and expressiveness, they found, maximize the beneficial changes induced by treatment.…”