Are the cognitive distortions of child molesters in need of treatment?

This paper challenges accepted notions about the importance of cognitive distortions expressed by child molesters. First, we consider the role of excuse-making in a healthy life, and as a result question whether it is in the best interests of our clients to challenge their distortions. We examine th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The journal of sexual aggression 2011-07, Vol.17 (2), p.118-129
Main Authors: Marshall, W.L., Marshall, L.E., Kingston, Drew A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Best interests
Child abuse
Child abuse & neglect
Children
Cognition
cognitive distortions
Cognitive impairment
Correctional treatment programs
Criminal offences
Criminology
denial
Distortion
minimization
Psychology
Recidivism
Sex crime
Sex crimes
Sex offenders
Sexual offenders
Treatment needs
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Summary:This paper challenges accepted notions about the importance of cognitive distortions expressed by child molesters. First, we consider the role of excuse-making in a healthy life, and as a result question whether it is in the best interests of our clients to challenge their distortions. We examine the literature on eyewitness reports and the reconstructive nature of memory to call into question the value of requiring child molesters' reports of their offence to match the victim's account. Next we show that the evidence does not demonstrate convincingly that cognitive distortions are criminogenic. Furthermore, the responses of child molesters to measures of cognitive distortions indicate that they simply endorse less disagreement with the items than do others. However, we note that some of these distortions, while not criminogenic, may nevertheless interfere with the acquisition of skills for important treatment targets (e.g. relationships). We offer suggestions for the most effective way to elicit and change these distortions.
ISSN:1355-2600
1742-6545
DOI:10.1080/13552600.2011.580572