This study examined the relationship between denial and a number of demographic, adjudication, and personality variables in a sample of 114 sexual offenders against children. Subjects were assessed using the MMPI, the MSI-2, and other measures of sexual interest. Deniers displayed a fake-good style of responding and demonstrated a greater degree of defensiveness than admitters. Deniers also endorsed less pathology on the MMPI clinical scales. These differences held after controlling for IQ and degree of defensiveness, suggesting that deniers approached the assessment situation in a different manner than admitters. Deniers were younger and scored lower on intelligence tests than admitters. A logistic regression predicting admitting status and employing as independent variables two MMPI special scales and a stimulus category from the card sort resulted in an overall correct prediction rate of 73%. Implications for future research with this population are provided.

This article examines the complex metacognitions necessary for a sex offender to achieve other-oriented empathy. Sex offender treatment programs appear to be teaching empathy without having a clear understanding of the difference between self-oriented and other-oriented empathy and without tools to measure these deficits or change. Discussion of factors necessary for formation of affective emotions is undertaken. The impact of shame on the capacity to experience one's own emotions is examined in relationship to childhood trauma Recommendations are offered to enhance therapists' skills to foster empathy in sex offenders.

This study compared the entrance and exit scores of 16 patients completing treatment at the Highland Institute for Behavioral Change (HIBC), an outpatient program specializing in the behavioral treatment of sex offenders. Outcome measures included the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), the Multiphasic Sexual Inventory, and recidivism (rearrest record) posttreatment. Statistically significant and clinical improvements were obtained on a number of these measures. One of the 16 graduates reoffended during the average follow-up period of 26 months (he is now incarcerated). These data are supportive of the contention that outpatient behavior therapy can be effective in reducing deviant sexual arousal and in enhancing appropriate consensual sexual behavior.

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