Classification models of child molesters utilizing the Abel Assessment for sexual interest

• Published in: Child abuse & neglect 2001-05, Vol.25 (5), p.703-718
• Main Authors: ABEL, Gene G, JORDAN, Alan, HAND, Cynthia G, HOLLAND, Laura A, PHIPPS, Alexandra
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Child abuse & neglect; Child Abuse, Sexual - diagnosis; Child sexual abuse; Classification; Cognition Disorders - diagnosis; Cognition Disorders - epidemiology; Female; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Nosology. Terminology. Diagnostic criteria; Offenders; Paraphilic Disorders - classification; Paraphilic Disorders - diagnosis; Psychological tests; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Random Allocation; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sex offenders; Surveys and Questionnaires; Techniques and methods
• ISSN: 0145-2134; 1873-7757
• DOI: 10.1016/S0145-2134(01)00227-7

The aims of this study are to demonstrate 1) the criterion validity of the Abel Assessment for sexual interest (AASI) based on its ability to discriminate between non child molesters and admitting child molesters, and 2) its resistance to falsification based on its ability to discriminate between liar-denier child molesters and non child molesters. A group of 747 participants matched by age, race, and income was used to develop three logistic regression equations. The models compare a group of non child molesting patients under evaluation for other paraphilias to three groups: 1) a group of admitting molesters of girls under 14 years of age, 2) a group of admitting molesters of boys under 14 years of age, and 3) a group believed to be concealing or denying having molested. Both of the equations designed to discriminate between admitting child molesters and non child molesters were statistically significant. The equation contrasting child molesters attempting to conceal or deny their behavior and non child molesting patients was also statistically significant. The models classifying admitting child molesters versus non child molesters demonstrate criterion validity, while the third model provides evidence of the AASI's resistance to falsification and its utility as a tool in the detection of child molesters who deny the behavior. Results of the equations are reported and suggestions for their use are discussed.