Social anxiety and sexual offending against children: A cumulative meta-analysis

Abstract

We examined the extent to which sexual offenders against children (SOC) differ from men who do not offend against children (non-SOC) on social anxiety. In study 1, 30 SOC and 31 non-sex offenders (NSO) were compared on a self-report measure of social anxiety (Social Avoidance and Distress Scale; SADS). SOC and NSO had virtually identical levels of social anxiety. In study 2, we conducted a meta-analysis of existing comparisons of SOC with various non-SOC groups on the SADS. SOC were generally more socially anxious than non-SOC. These findings suggest that the average SOC is more socially anxious than the average male who does not sexually offend against children. It remains unclear, however, whether social anxiety plays a causal role in the initiation of child sexual abuse.

Keywords:

• Social anxiety
• sex offenders
• meta-analysis

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Franca Cortoni, Petrina Lemieux, Jan Looman, Wagdy Loza, Greg Maillet, Bill Marshall, Jeremy Mills, Larry Motiuk, Ed Peacock, Geris Serran, and many others for facilitating the collection of data in Study 1. We also thank James Horley for providing additional results not available in his published study. This research was facilitated by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Correctional Service of Canada.