A Clinical Model for the Treatment of Personality Disordered Sexual Offenders: An Example of Theory Knitting

Authors: Buschman J.¹; van Beek D.²

Source: Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, Volume 15, Number 3, July 2003 , pp. 183-199(17)

Publisher: Springer

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $47.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

In this paper we present a clinical model for the treatment of personality disordered sexual offenders. The model is based on the theoretical assumption that cognitive distortions emerge from more general explanatory theories. It seems that the pathways of offending processes that are characterized by positive or negative affects can be found in all treated sex offenders regardless of their motivation. We assume that these pathways are activated by cognitive distortions that illustrate the underlying general explanatory theory held by the offender and that these distortions are typical for overall daily interpersonal behavior of the offender. This means that, as predicted by our clinical model in the case of offenders with a personality disorder, the type of explanatory cognition that is underlying their sexual offenses is the same as the one that is underlying their general explanatory theories. We will describe the clinical model and the treatment program used at Forensic Psychiatric Hospital Center Veldzicht with a review of our experiences.

Keywords: general explanatory theories; personality disorders; sex offenders; offense chain

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Dr S. van Mesdagkliniek, Engelse Kamp5, 9722 AX, Groningen, The Netherlands; josbuschman@hotmail.com 2: Dr Henri van der Hoevenkliniek, Willem Dreeslaan 2, 3515 GB, Utrecht, The Netherlands

Publication date: 2003-07-01