Post-conviction polygraph testing of adult sex offenders in treatment has been a somewhat controversial subject. This study (n = 95 participants who took 333 polygraph tests) explored how sexual offenders enrolled in outpatient treatment programs perceived their polygraph experience. Participants reported a relatively low incidence of false indications of both deception (22 of 333 tests) and truthfulness (11 of 333) tests, suggesting that clients agreed with examiners' opinions 90% of the time. The majority of clients reported that polygraph testing was a helpful part of treatment. Finally, about 5% of participants reported that they responded to allegedly inaccurate accusations of deception by admitting to things they had not done. The data offer encouragement for continued but cautious use of polygraphs by sex offender treatment programs. Implications for practice and research are identified.
A literature review was conducted to evaluate the research findings regarding the use of polygraphy with sexual offenders. Inconsistent empirical data from various studies provide a challenge to the validity and reliability of the polygraph procedure. Treatment program utility was nonetheless enhanced by the disclosures made during the preparation process before the actual examination. Empirically based standards for the use and interpretation of polygraph results were found to be lacking. Guidelines for the responsible use of polygraphy in community-based treatment for sexual offenders are proposed. Finally, issues needing further research are identified.
Post-conviction polygraph testing of adult sex offenders in treatment has been a somewhat controversial subject. This study (n = 95 participants who took 333 polygraph tests) explored how sexual offenders enrolled in outpatient treatment programs perceived their polygraph experience. Participants reported a relatively low incidence of false indications of both deception (22 of 333 tests) and truthfulness (11 of 333) tests, suggesting that clients agreed with examiners' opinions 90% of the time. The majority of clients reported that polygraph testing was a helpful part of treatment. Finally, about 5% of participants reported that they responded to allegedly inaccurate accusations of deception by admitting to things they had not done. The data offer encouragement for continued but cautious use of polygraphs by sex offender treatment programs. Implications for practice and research are identified.
Adolescents with intellectual disabilities are known to engage in various sexual behavior problems or sexual offending behaviors. This article provides a review of important aspects of risk assessment within the context of a broader, more comprehensive and holistic assessment of these individuals. Pertinent risk and sexual interest assessment tools are identified along with their strengths and limitations. Issues that are often unattended to are addressed, including consideration of the behavioral implications of the young person's diagnosis and level of cognitive functioning, need for sexual knowledge and sexual interest assessment, and issues related to making a mental health diagnosis. Recommendations for future research are also offered.
Sexually offensive behavior is known to be one of many consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI). This article provides a brief review of research to ascertain the effects of TBI in childhood and adulthood as related to cognitive, behavioral, social, and sexual behaviors. Brain impairment is also identified as a result of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Individuals with sexual offending histories are found to have experienced high numbers of ACEs. Sexually offensive and sexual offending behaviors post-TBI appears to occur in between 3.5 and 9% of affected adults (Simpson, Blaszczynski & Hodgkinson, 1999; Simpson, Sabaz & Daher, 2013). It is recommended that treatment providers make themselves aware of the relationship between TBI, ACEs, and sexually offensive behavior and how this may affect the treatment process.
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