ABSTRACT
This exploratory study used qualitative methodology to examine what pedophiles think about treatment, as well as their daily experience of a treatment program. To this end, twenty-three offenders receiving treatment from the La Macaza federal penitentiary clinic were interviewed using non-directive semi-structured interviews. Comparative analysis was used to analyze the resulting material. The following themes are discussed based on the results of this analysis: (a) the participants' past experience of therapy; (b) motivations for choosing the La Macaza clinic for treatment; (c) the structure of the program; (d) the group dynamics; (e) the therapists; and (f) the hardships and difficulties of treatment. Results suggest that the therapists and the program may have a function of containment or holding. Although part of the therapeutic process involves a focus on identifying and reducing cognitive distortions, results also warn therapists against misusing this concept by applying it to legitimately different opinions. Findings are discussed in terms of possible program improvements. The authors conclude that greater attention must be given to process research.
Subject(s)
Child Abuse, Sexual/psychology , Child Abuse, Sexual/rehabilitation , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Pedophilia/psychology , Pedophilia/rehabilitation , Prisoners/psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Canada , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/methods , Criminal Psychology , Humans , Interpersonal Relations , Middle Aged , Narration , Professional-Patient Relations , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Many authors have suggested adapting treatment programs to the specific needs of sexual abusers. However, little research has been conducted to understand what these patients seek in therapy or what elements play a key role in keeping them in treatment. In this pilot study, fifteen (N=15) pedophile sexual abusers from La Macaza clinic for sexual abusers were interviewed. Plan analysis was used to investigate the most prevalent components involved in staying in or leaving therapy. Results suggest that many components involved in the plans leading to doing and to avoiding treatment were similar. Differences were found in regards to the outcome of confrontations with the therapists, a tendency to isolate and overcomply, guilt related to the abuse, a need for a stable environment, and a need to be accepted. These results are discussed along with possible ways to improve the patients' involvement in treatment.
Subject(s)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Motivation , Patient Acceptance of Health Care/psychology , Patient Care Planning , Pedophilia/psychology , Prisoners/psychology , Sex Offenses/psychology , Adult , Child , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Dropouts/psychology , Pedophilia/rehabilitation , Personality Assessment , Pilot Projects , Prisoners/legislation & jurisprudence , Risk Factors , Secondary Prevention , Sex Offenses/legislation & jurisprudence , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Virtual reality (VR), as a method to assess sexual preferences, is explored. Dynamics of the subjective point of view (POV), subjective affective state, and feeling of presence, as measured following the interaction with a virtual naked model, appear as promising ways to probe sexual preferences as expressed in immersion. Theoretical aspects of VR psychology and further steps in developing a sexual preferences assessment method are delineated.
