The multiphasic sex inventory: A comparison of american and Australian samples of sexual offenders

Abstract

The Multiphasic Sex Inventory (MSI) was designed specifically for the comprehensive assessment of sexual offenders. The information provided by current literature on the MSI is restricted to American samples, and thus, only American norms are available. As the MSI is the primary self-report instrument used in the assessment of sexual offenders in Australia, the present study provides a set of preliminary Australian MSI norms from a sample of 52 child molesters and 17 exhibitionists. These sexual offenders completed the MSI during the initial assessment phase at a community treatment agency before commencing their treatment. The results are contrasted with the available American norms to assess the applicability of the American norms to Australian sexual offenders. The findings of this study indicate that Australian and American sexual offenders produce similar overall MSI profiles; differences were apparent in the self-reported levels of paraphilic behaviour, sexual dysfunction, patterns of denial, and sexual knowledge. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.