Sexual Offenders' State-of-Mind Regarding Childhood Attachment: A Controlled Investigation

Authors: Stirpe, Tania; Abracen, Jeffrey; Stermac, Lana; Wilson, Robin

Source: Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, Volume 18, Number 3, July 2006 , pp. 289-302(14)

Publisher: Springer

Abstract:

Attachment experiences have been regarded as significant by researchers and clinicians attempting to explain the etiology of sexual offending. Although initial studies have revealed some promising evidence, there are a number of theoretical and methodological problems with this preliminary body of work. While addressing these limitations, the goal of the present study was to investigate state-of-mind regarding childhood attachment among subtypes of sexual offenders, comparing them to both a sample of nonsexual offenders and to the documented patterns of nonoffenders. Sixty-one sexual offenders (extrafamilial child molesters, incest offenders, and rapists) and 40 nonsexual offenders (violent and nonviolent) were administered the “Adult Attachment Interview.” Results indicated that the majority of sexual offenders were insecure, representing a marked difference from normative samples. Although insecurity of attachment was common to all groups of offenders, there were important differences in regard to the specific type of insecurity. Most notable were the child molesters, who were significantly more likely to be Preoccupied. Rapists, violent offenders, and, to a lesser degree, incest offenders were more likely to be Dismissing. Although still most likely to be Dismissing, nonviolent offenders were comparatively more Secure.

Keywords: Sexual offenders; Attachment; Adult Attachment Interview

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11194-006-9022-3

Affiliations: 1: Email: stirpets@csc-scc.gc.ca

Publication date: 2006-07-01

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• In this Subject: Neurology & Psychiatry ,  Pediatrics ,  Psychology ,  Social & Public Welfare
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