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Factors Associated With Treatment Completion and Progress Among Intrafamilial Sexual Abusers

NCJ Number
136531
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 16 Issue: 2 Dated: (1992) Pages: 251-264
Author(s)
M Chaffin
Date Published
1992
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Thirty-six father-daughter/stepdaughter sexual abusers, classified as regressed, were followed during a 2-year outpatient treatment program in order to evaluate the associations between three variables -- personality disturbances, alcohol or drug problems, and criminal charges -- and treatment completion. Twenty-five of the abusers faced criminal charges.
Abstract
Of the original group, 23 completed the juvenile court ordered treatment program, while 13 did not. Completing subjects were rated on progress at posttreatment with regard to emotional congruence, sexual arousal, blockage, internal inhibitors, acceptance of responsibility, and empathy with the victim. According to the findings, the more personality disordered offenders showed lower rates of program completion and attainment of empathy. Criminal prosecution was unrelated to treatment completion, but may have had limited therapeutic value in promoting empathy and slightly higher progress ratings in the other categories. The results support the importance of careful pretreatment personality assessment in determining disposition and treatment planning. 4 tables, 3 figures, and 36 references (Author abstract modified)