Self-reported schemas in sexual offenders

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop a self-report instrument to identify schemas in sexual offenders. A schema was defined as a structure, with cognitive contents such as attitudes, beliefs, rules and assumptions centred on a coherent theme, which directs some aspects of cognitive processing. A questionnaire containing items drawn from offenders' explanations for their offending was administered to 657 imprisoned sexual offenders. Exploratory factor analysis yielded two factors, labelled Dominance and Disadvantaged. Both factors showed good internal reliability, test–retest reliability and construct validity. The factors are best conceptualised as modes, containing cognitive-conceptual, motivational, behavioural and physiological components. It is likely that both modes play a role in sexual offending, but the nature of their influence needs further investigation.

Keywords:

• sexual offenders
• assessment
• child molester