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This paper describes the use of viewing time (VT), how long a subject looks at a probable sexual stimulus, as an alternative to penile plethysmography (PPG). We then trace the history of VT to assess sexual interest from 1942 to the present. The first computer‐generated stimulus set for PPG was developed by Canadian researchers. This set was tested using VT by the second author and found valid. The unavailability of the set for further use resulted in the authors developing a new, computermodified set with an alternate form version. This required the modification and compositing of images of real people. The proposed research using this set is described. To avoid using real photographic imagery in the future we propose use of specialized computer software that permits development of images from scratch. VT is a limited technology and we close with descriptions of new ways to assess sexual interest and behaviour using virtual reality and virtual environments.

Abundant research confirms a high prevalence of substance use and mental disorders in correctional samples. It is unclear, however, how these contribute to the risk of repeat offending. The present study examined offense trajectories within a Canadian Provincial offender population (N = 31,014), and observed that offenders with non–substance-related mental disorders were at no greater risk of recidivism than those with no diagnosis. In contrast, odds of recidivism were significantly higher among those with substance use and/or co-occurring disorders. These findings add strength to the emerging conclusion that non–substance-related mental disorders are, as a group, less likely to predict recidivism than substance use disorders. Notably, nearly 50% of repeat offenders had a physician-diagnosed substance use disorder in the 5 years prior to their index offense. Results are discussed in relation to the necessity for targeted evidence-based partnerships between health and corrections sectors that are responsive to both public health and safety.

The present study compared a viewing time (VT) measure with the Sexual Deviance Card Sort (Laws et al., 2000) and past sexual behaviour. Twenty-six adult males who committed a contact sexual offence (19 of whom had child victims and seven with adult victims) each completed the self-report card sort and viewed 640 slides of nude and clothed males and females, ages 5, 9, 13 years and adult. The offenders were unaware that their viewing time was being recorded. VT allowed for greater consistent classification of sexual interest: for gender preference, 79% for individuals with child victims, 86% for individuals with adult victims; for age preference, 84% for individuals with child victims, and 57% for individuals with adult victims. Results demonstrated that a combination of nude and clothed computer-modified imagery can provide accurate sexual interest classification.

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