Emotional Intelligence in Child Molesters

ABSTRACT

Various studies have examined intelligent quotients (IQs) in samples of pedophiles and child molesters. However, intelligence is not a monolithic construct; rather, it is made up of different dimensions, including emotional intelligence (EI). Although emotional intelligence has been studied in relation to criminal behavior, there is little knowledge available on EI in samples of child molesters. The aim of the present study is to fill this gap by looking at a sample of convicted Italian child molesters. The Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i), Big Five Questionnaire (BFQ-2), and the Scale Wechsler Adult Intelligence (WAIS-IV) were administered to an all-male sample of 10 incarcerated child molesters. Cognitive functioning was below the general population average. The EQ-i scores were average or above and very high in one case. There were no statistically significant relationships between EQ-I and IQ. In our sample, the EQ-i scores are higher for EQ than IQ. The individuals in the sample present scores that are comparable to or higher than the general population in EI measures. The data seem to confirm the hypothesis that some child molesters may use their emotional skills to facilitate the abuse of minors. The data confirm the tendency for IQs to be lower in this population. Furthermore, the data do not support a correlation between IQ and EI.

KEYWORDS:

• Child molesters
• emotional intelligence
• inmates
• paraphilia

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.