Treatment May Change Risk Prediction for Sexual Offenders

Abstract

The best predictor of sexual offense recidivism is believed to be past sexual offending. However, clinical observations of treated individuals often contradict this view. Consequently, this relationship was evaluated, using a minimum follow-up period of 18 months. The samples were adult men and consisted of 127 treatment noncompleters who terminated treatment because of inadequate motivation/unacceptable behavior, legal transfer, or by request and 150 treatment completers who underwent a minimum of 6 months of 32-35 hours per week of therapy. Sexual offense conviction recidivism and prior sexual offense convictions were significantly related in noncompleters (r = .31, p < .05) but were not significantly related in completers (r = .03, p > .05). These two correlations differed significantly (two-tailed p < .05). There was no difference (p > .05) in the average number of prior sexual offense convictions between completers and noncompleters. The findings are supportive of treatment interventions, although they question the validity of prior sexual offenses in treated offenders for release decisions and/or risk prediction.

Testosterone, Sexual Offense Recidivism, and Treatment Effect Among Adult Male Sex Offenders

“…This study, in conjunction with a previous finding that the static variable of prior sex offenses becomes less meaningful in risk prediction after treatment (Studer & Reddon, 1998), reveals the positive effects of some kinds of treatment in mitigating sexual offender recidivism. These types of findings are particularly important in this era of evidence-based practice.…”

A Comparison of Static and Dynamic Assessment of Sexual Offender Risk and Need in a Treatment Context

“…Studer and Reddon (1998) found that a reliable historical predictor, prior sexual offenses, did not predict sexual recidivism among offenders who had completed treatment but was a strong predictor of subsequent sexual recidivism among treatment noncompleters, that is, men who had terminated treatment owing to inadequate motivation or unacceptable behavior. It is assumed that treatment noncompleters did not demonstrate substantial reduction in risk, but no specific measure of change in sex offending risk was undertaken by these authors.…”

Treatment of Juveniles Who Sexually Offend: An Overview

“…Unfortunately, the literature evaluating treatment outcomes has lagged behind the recognition of this clinical phenomenon and the resulting development and implementation of programs to address JSOs. As a result, while research shows that lack of successful treatment predicts higher rates of recidivism (e.g., Studer & Reddon, 1998), little is known about what "successful treatment" entails. Further, intra-and interpersonal, demographic, and other variables that impact treatment have not been well established.…”