ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 6

Predicting the Effectiveness of Treatment for Pedophilia
Rowan, EL
Psychiatrist, NH

(Received 19 February 1987; accepted 21 April 1987)

Abstract

Assessment of progress in a treatment program for pedophiles and the prediction of risk of future offenses are based upon change along four parameters: decreased objective sexual arousal to child stimuli based on negative conditioning and penile tumescence monitoring, decreased emotional congruence with children, improvement in meaningful adult relationships, and effective therapy for disinhibiting factors. The latter three are measured by rating scales completed by both patients and staff. Although statistical analysis of recidivism is in progress, it may not reflect the true frequency of reoffenses. The ability to predict successful treatment is still limited to theoretical and subjective indices.

Keywords:
psychiatry, pedophitia, criminal sex offenses

Paper ID: JFS12451J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12451J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.