Personality and cognitive distortions in sexual offenders
Although there is no clear typology of the characteristics of child molesters, the scientific literature highlights cognitive distortions and a constellation of maladaptive personality traits involved in the development and maintenance of deviant sexuality. As these factors also contribute to the development of dysfunctional sexual behaviors and to the risk of recidivism, they may be key targets for intervention. The current study examines changes in cognitive distortions and personality traits in men being treated for child sexual abuse. The sample was composed of 134 intrafamilial child molesters enrolled in an evaluation and treatment program for sexual abuse. Participants were assessed three times : at their admission to the program and after the first and second year of treatment. Results suggest significant decreases in cognitive distortions as well as decreases in neuroticism and increases in extraversion. At the individual level, a meaningful proportion of men showed improvements on most of the variables assessed. These findings support the plasticity of personality and cognitive distortions in child molesters and provide evidence for the effectiveness of the program.