A comparison of self-reported characteristics of adult male sex offenders incarcerated in a state correctional institution who have and have not participated in a sex offender psychoeducational program, 1992

The present investigation examined factors that could assist counselor? in the treatment of incarcerated adult male sex offenders. The major concern was with the self-reported sex knowledge and beliefs and the psychosexual behavior of the incarcerated adult male sex offender. The typical study subject was 34.7 years of age, had completed 10.8 years of school, most likely had a job as a skilled laborer, could have been single, married, separated or divorced, most likely white and a child molester. Data were collected, utilizing the Multiphasic Sex Inventory (MSI), from 20 incarcerated adult male sex offenders. A pretest-posttest experimental design was used with a ten-week psychoeducational experience as the intervention. Results from the t-test indicated that sex offenders can benefit from extensive counseling sessions. However, the effectiveness of this technique seems to have been moderated by the offenders' elevated reluctance to admit that they have a problem. Additionally, the pattern of responses from the Sex Knowledge and Beliefs Scale indicated that treatment was somewhat effective and provided an opportunity to disseminate accurate information to the sex offender. Implications for counselors and directions for future research concluded this study