Part II: Differences between Sexually Victimized and Nonsexually Victimized Male Adolescent Sexual Abusers and Delinquent Youth: Further Group Comparisons of Developmental Antecedents and Behavioral Challenges

Abstract

In a recent paper published in the Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, we assessed the differences between sexually victimized and nonsexually victimized male adolescent sexual abusers (Burton, Duty, & Leibowitz, 2011). We found that the sexually victimized group had more severe developmental antecedents (e.g., trauma and early exposure to pornography) and behavioral difficulties (sexual aggression, arousal, pornography use, and nonsexual offenses). The present study compares sexually victimized and nonsexually victimized adolescent sexual abusers with a group of nonsexually victimized delinquent youth. Findings included that delinquent youth had fewer behavioral and developmental problems than the comparison groups. In addition, sexually victimized sexual abusers had the highest mean scores on trauma and personality measures. Implications for research and treatment are offered.

Keywords:

• adolescent sexual offending
• delinquency
• sexual victimization
• personality
• sexual recidivism

Notes

1. The distinction between the sexual offender and the nonsexual offender groups was determined by facility location based on legal charges.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

George S. Leibowitz

George S. Leibowitz, assistant professor, Department of Social Work, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.

David L. Burton

David L. Burton, PhD, associate professor, School for Social Work, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts.

Alan Howard

Alan Howard, MS, Statistical Software Support and Consulting Services, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.