Childhood Abuse, Attachment, and Psychopathy among Individuals Who Commit Sexual Offenses

Abstract

Individuals who commit sexual offenses and also meet criteria for psychopathy are among the most concerning groups of forensic clients. This exploratory study included 109 adult males and examined the following questions: (1) Do sexual offenders with higher scores on the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) demonstrate similar patterns of attachment, or do they present with a variety of attachment patterns? (2) What is the relationship between a history of child abuse and attachment styles? (3) What are the relationships between specific child abuse experiences and the facets of the PCL-R? and (4) What are the relationships between different attachment patterns and the facets of the PCL-R? Findings indicate that men who experienced childhood abuse of any kind were more likely to demonstrate a fearful or preoccupied attachment style. Those who were securely attached were less likely to engage in antisocial behavior, and those who were more anxiously attached were less arrogant and deceptive in interpersonal relationships. Implications for practice, policy, and research are discussed.