Therapist features in sexual offender treatment: their reliable identification and influence on behaviour change

Abstract

In the first of the two studies reported here, we established that trained judges could reliably identify 18 therapist features that occurred with reasonable frequency. In the second study 17 of these features were examined to determine how well they related to changes in sexual offenders with treatment. Five videotapes from each of five different prison programs were rated for the presence of these 17 features and correlational analyses examined their relationship with changes in 44 measures of treatment targets. The primary findings indicated that empathy and warmth displayed by the therapists and their directive and rewarding behaviours, were the features that most strongly predicted therapeutic benefits. The results are discussed in terms of their clinical and research implications.

Where has all the psychology gone?

“…In fact, psychologists estimate that the proportion of change accounted for by group cohesion and the therapeutic alliance is sizable with some estimates exceeding 30% (Beech & Fordham, 1997;Beech & Hamilton-Giachritis, 2005;Marshall & Burton, 2010, Norcross, 2002, 2011. Research studies indicate that highly important therapist characteristics for enabling behavior change include flexibility, confidence, expertise, respectfulness and factors related to genuineness (i.e., empathy, warmth, openness, trustworthiness; Ackerman & Hilsenroth, 2003;Couture et al, 2006;Elvins & Green, 2008;Evans, 2013;Horvath, 2000;Marshall et al, 2002Norcross & Wampold, 2011). All can be viewed as therapist ÔvirtuesÕ that converge on the three core features or strands of the EBP model.…”

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

“…In the study of Marshall et al (2002), the influence of the therapist accounted for between 40 and 60% of the benefits of treatment with sexual offenders, and Alexander et al (1976) found the same in the treatment of juvenile delinquents. These results indicating the powerful influence of therapeutic processes in the treatment of offenders, leave little room for the influence of procedures and yet these are typically the only things specified in the very detailed treatment manuals required in RCT studies.…”

“…These group characteristics are essentially created, or not, by the skills of the therapist. Marshall et al (Marshall et al 2002 have shown that it is only when therapists display warmth and empathy, as well as rewarding clients for small steps and offering some degree of directiveness, that sexual offenders attain the goals of treatment. This again demonstrates the important role of the therapist and his/her capacity to create the bases upon which treatment techniques can be successfully implemented.…”

Recovering Memories of the Offense in ?Amnesic?? Sexual Offenders

“…This is especially true in the case of sexual offenders who are experiencing shame and where they expect to be judged negatively. We have already shown that building a therapeutic climate that is respectful, empathic, and rewarding builds the self-confidence of the client and encourages effective participation in treatment, including fully disclosing details of the offense (Marshall et al, 2002).…”