Although a history of sexual abuse has not been found to be predictive of sexual offending, its prevalence among adolescent sex offenders suggests that this issue must be addressed by researchers. Researchers have concluded that the link between sexual victimization and subsequent offending should be clarified. Numerous researchers have found that adolescent sex offenders have social skill deficits, tend to be loners, and are socially isolated. Researchers have also suggested that there may be a relationship between specific social-skill deficits and sex offender type. Chewning, for example, found that male adolescent child molesters were less likely to have intimate relationships and had fewer female friends than other males, both delinquent and nondelinquent. Similarly, Deisher and colleagues found that adolescent child molesters had poor social skills, were socially isolated from their peers, and had low self-esteem. Regarding the relationship between substance abuse and sexual offending, Schram and colleagues found that more than one-third of their sample of adolescent sex offenders had or were suspected of having a substance abuse problems; however, only 14 percent were thought to be under the influence at the time of the offense. Regarding family characteristics of adolescent sex offenders, they tend to manifest a high rate of violence (both physical and sexual) and substance abuse. In addition, most adolescent sex offenders come form single-parent homes or have been separated from their parents. Literature reviews also show that adolescent sex offenders have been exposed to more pornography and at a younger age than any other adolescent group; child molesters are exposed to pornography more often than rapists. One of the best predictors of sexual offending is a history of previous sexual offending. Recommendations for future research are presented. 26 notes