Sexual Offender Treatment Effectiveness Within Cognitive-Behavioral Programs: A Meta-Analytic Investigation of General, Sexual, and Violent Recidivism

Abstract

The current sexual offender literature focuses on recidivism reduction in an effort to increase public safety. While cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) programs are considered a mainstream treatment method, it is essential to study recidivism as an indicator of treatment effectiveness. This meta-analysis examines research published since 1970 to determine the overall effectiveness of treatments in reducing recidivism among adult male sexual offenders. Decade of implementation and CBT treatment features are also assessed as moderator variables. The results from the 25 studies identified were converted into 42 weighted effect sizes utilizing a random-effects model. Significant overall effect sizes were found for sexual and violent/combination recidivism; however, multiple indices indicate heterogeneity in the effect sizes. Significant differences were found in the overall effectiveness of the treatments by decade, and the treatments delivered during the 1990s were found to be related to lower levels of sexual and violent/combination recidivism.

Key words:

• adult male sexual offender treatment
• cognitive-behavioral therapy
• males
• meta-analysis
• sexual offender
• recidivism
• sex offender treatment effectiveness
• sex offender treatment efficacy
• treatment effectiveness
• treatment efficacy

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Acknowledgements

The principal author wishes to thank: Siobhan K. O’Toole, Ph.D. for her expertise in meta-analysis and the major contributions she has made to this project as the Dissertation Chair; Sue Ammen, Ph.D. for the major contributions she has made via her expertise in research and dissertations, serving as the Dissertation Chair when needed and offering unwavering support; and Sean Ahlmeyer, Psy.D. for his major contributions regarding expertise in sexual offender treatment. The principal author wishes to also thank Sheera N. Harrell, Ph.D. and Jacinda L. Hernandez, Ph.D. for their arduous dedication to this project as research assistants. Finally, the principal author wishes to thank Linda M. Weller, for her editing of this manuscript.

Ethical standards

Declaration of conflicts of interest

Jennifer L. Harrison has declared no conflicts of interest.

Siobhan K. O’Toole has declared no conflicts of interest.

Sue Ammen has declared no conflicts of interest.

Sean Ahlmeyer has declared no conflicts of interest.

Sheera N. Harrell has declared no conflicts of interest.

Jacinda L. Hernandez has declared no conflicts of interest.

Ethical approval

This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.