William L. Marshall

An Integrated Theory of the Etiology of Sexual Offending

This chapter represents an attempt to integrate a widely disparate literature concerning factors which play a role in the etiology of sex offending and lead to its persistence. In particular we are concerned that most researchers seem to take a rather narrow perspective of this behavior, stressing their own preferred processes (i.e., psychological, biological, or sociological) to the virtual exclusion of others. We have previously emphasized the role of learning experiences (Marshall and Barbaree, 1984a), sociocultural factors (Marshall, 1984a), and biological processes (Marshall 1984b) in the etiology of rape, but this represents our first attempt at integration and the first time we have extended our theorizing to account for other sex offenses. We believe that a proper understanding of sex offending can only be attained when these diverse processes are seen as functionally interdependent.

Intimacy, Loneliness, and Sexual Offenders

As part of a general theory of sexual offending, it is suggested that the failure to achieve intimacy in relations with adults produces emotional loneliness, which leads to an aggressive disposition, and a tendency to pursue sex with diverse partners in the hope of finding intimacy through sexuality or through less threatening partners. The development of intimacy and its benefits are described, as are the consequences that befall those who fail to achieve it. The history of sexual offenders illustrates why they fail to develop the attitudes and skills necessary to attain intimacy, and why this failure leads to sexual abuse. Finally, suggestions are made for the modification of programs for the assessment and treatment of sexual offenders, in order to include problems of intimacy and loneliness.

Cognitive distortions in sex offenders: an integrative review.

Clinicians and researchers have noted that maladaptive beliefs and distorted thinking play an important role in facilitating or justifying sexual offenses. There have been a number of attempts to describe the nature of these beliefs and to develop ways of measuring them, but in the absence of any integrating theory. We suggest that an understanding of the cognitive processes underlying the initiation, maintenance, and justification of sexual offending is a vital prerequisite to the development of successful treatment programs. In this paper, we use a social cognition framework to review the literature on the role of cognition in sexual offending. Pertinent research in the sexual offending domain, specifically cognitive products, information processing, cognitive change, and the impact of affective and motivational factors on cognitive processes, is described and related to the social cognitive approach. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed in light of the major issues and problems highlighted in our review.

Treatment outcome with sex offenders

Abstract Previous reviews have taken either a severe methodological stance and concluded that treatments have not been demonstrated to be effective with sex offenders, or they have ignored methodological considerations and expounded about the value, of particular treatment approaches. We have attempted to adopt a position somewhere between these, two and have concluded that some treatment programs have been effective with child molesters and exhibitionists but not, apparently, with rapists. In examining the value of the different approaches, we concluded that comprehensive cognitive/behavioral programs (at least for child molesters, incest offenders, and exhibitionists) are most likely to be effective, although there is a clear value for the adjunctive use of antiandrogens with those offenders who engage in excessively high rates of sexual activities.

Empathy in sex offenders

Abstract Sex offenders are thought to suffer from deficits in their capacity to experience empathy, and this is considered to be important in the development, and particularly the maintenance, of their deviant behaviour. The concept of empathy, however, is confused. A multicomponent staged model of empathy is outlined, and it is suggested that empathy deficits may be more person-specific than has previously been thought. The evidence concerning empathy deficits in sex offenders is considered, and it is concluded that our multicomponent model offers a better way to understand and treat the empathy deficits in these men.

The long-term evaluation of a behavioral treatment program for child molesters

Abstract Recidivism data derived from various sources over a follow-up period of 1–11 yr, provided the basis for appraising the effectiveness of a comprehensive cognitive-behavioral treatment program for familial and nonfamilial child molesters. Unofficial records held by police and Childrens Aid Societies proved to be the best data for estimating recidivism. These data revealed increases in recidivism with longer follow-up periods, but there were consistent advantages for the treated over the untreated patients. Men who had sexually abused the daughters of other people demonstrated the clearest treatment benefits. The younger offenders and those who had engaged in genital-genital contact with their victims were more likely to reoffend even if they were treated. Contrary to the expectations of behavior therapists, indices of deviant sexual preferences did not predict outcome.

Attachment style in sex offenders: A preliminary study

In the past few decades, a number of theories have been developed to further our understanding of the various aspects of sex offending. Recent work has been focused on the relationship between early interpersonal experiences and the presence of intimacy deficits in sex offenders. Marshall (1989, 1993, in press) developed an etiological model stressing the importance of insecure attachment and intimacy deficits in both the onset and maintenance of sex offending. In this article we used a reformulation of this model, using Bartholomews attachment theory, to carry out a preliminary investigation of the nature of attachment relationships in sex offenders. The participants in this study included child molesters (55), rapists (30), violent non‐sex offenders (32), and non‐violent, non‐sex offenders (30). Their general romantic attachment style was assessed using Bartholomews self‐report scales. Results indicated that the majority of sex offenders were insecurely attached. However, this was true for all four gr...

A Descriptive Model of the Offense Chain for Child Molesters

A grounded theory approach was taken to the qualitative analysis of the descriptions of thoughts and feelings provided by 26 incarcerated child molesters while describing their most recent or typical offense. The resulting descriptive model comprised nine stages, with three contributing factors that describe the sequence of cognitive and behavioral events that form an offense chain. The model incorporates offender type, offense type, and offers a description of the possible interactions between the various stages and factors. The model was then applied to the offense descriptions of an independent sample of 12 incarcerated child molesters in order to ascertain its cross-sample validity and the reliability of classification. The results suggest that the model has provisional validity and adequate interrater reliability. The theoretical, research, and clinical implications of the descriptive model are then discussed.

Assessment, Treatment, and Theorizing About Sex Offenders Developments During the Past Twenty Years and Future Directions

This article considers developments during the past 20 years in the assessment and treatment of sex offenders and in theoretical interpretations of their behavior. Research is reviewed indicating that in assessment there is a move toward including more cognitive features. One interpretation of the evidence to date suggests that phallometry has been overvalued and that considerable work remains to be done on the psychometric aspects of erectile measurement. Treatment also has moved in a more cognitive direction, but the addition of a relapse prevention approach has been the most significant innovation. A focus on treating juveniles has been a major development during the past 10 years. Theory development is accelerating, but there needs to be more emphasis on developing and refining our specific constructs rather than elaborating broad explanatory theories. Future developments are suggested.

An Examination of Intimacy and Loneliness in Sex Offenders

Two studies are reported examining intimacy and loneliness in sex offenders and various control subjects. Sex offenders were both more lonely and deficient in intimacy than other offenders and community controls. Intimacy seemed to be the most important deficit among the sex offenders with the rapists and child molesters being the most deficient. The results are discussed in terms of their relevance for theory and clinical practice.