Is sex-offending treatment trauma-informed? Exploring perspectives of clinicians and clients

Grady, Melissa D.; Levenson, Jill S.; Glover, Jessica; Kavanagh, Shelley

doi:10.1080/13552600.2021.1942572

Cited by 7 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 59 publications

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“…Negative childhood experiences are not uncommon for people who sexually offend, and early adversity can cause loneliness, boundary confusion, and lack of social skills (Grady, Levenson, Glover, & Kavanagh, 2022; Kåven et al, 2019; Levenson et al, 2018). Complex trauma can precipitate deficiencies in executive functioning (such as attention, inhibition, problem-solving, flexibility, and planning) (Ansbro, 2008; Grady et al, 2016; Masten & Cicchetti, 2010; van der Kolk, 2006).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Trauma should therefore be viewed as a salient aspect of treatment rather than viewed as an excuse for offending and avoided (Grady, Levenson, Glover, & Kavanagh, 2022). Clients report that psycho-education about dysregulation and hyperarousal helps them understand how past traumas might influence subsequent offense behavior and dynamic risk factors (Grady et al, 2022; Scott & Jenney, 2022).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Dynamic risk factors include antisocial attitudes, behaviors, or peers, sexual entitlement or preoccupation, intimacy deficits, impulsivity, substance abuse, lack of pro-social activities, negative moods, or hostility (Hanson & Harris, 1998; Ward & Fortune, 2016). These factors can stem from dysregulation and maladaptive patterns related to trauma, so the link between traumagenic life experiences and dynamic risk should be considered (Grady, Levenson, Glover, & Kavanagh, 2022). Practitioners should also recognize the intersectionality of disempowering life experiences (e.g.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Learning From Consumers of Mandated Sex-Offending Programs: “It’s Not Treatment, I Wish It Was.”

et al. 2023

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The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore clients’ perceptions of sex-offending treatment. The sample included 291 people required to register as sex offenders in the U.S. who answered an open-ended question in an online survey asking them to describe their positive and negative experiences in mandated treatment. Using qualitative analysis, three overarching themes (with several subthemes) were identified: (1) positive and (2) negative treatment experiences and (3) the affiliation between the criminal justice system and clinical services. Experiences in sex offending treatment were viewed as positive when clients had opportunities to learn about themselves, experience group cohesion, build a positive alliance with a caring therapist, learn tools and skills for emotional health, explore the roots of offense behavior, and create healthy life plans to reduce risk for re-offending. Negative themes emerged when treatments were viewed as coercive, confrontational, or demeaning; when therapists seemed inexperienced or unqualified; and when seemingly outdated or unscientific methods were emphasized without explanation or dialogue. The entanglement between court-mandated treatment providers and the criminal justice system led to concerns about confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and role ambiguity. Drawing upon literature related to therapeutic alliance, trauma-informed care, and Risk-Need-Responsivity models, we offer suggestions for integrating client feedback to improve treatment responsivity and prevent re-offending.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Learning From Consumers of Mandated Sex-Offending Programs: “It’s Not Treatment, I Wish It Was.”

et al. 2023

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“…Given these realities, professionals working with people convicted of sex crimes and their family members should be trauma-informed (Grady, Levenson, Glover, & Kavanagh, 2022aGrady, Levenson, Glover, & Kavanagh, 2022; Harris and Levenson, 2022; Kavanagh and Levenson, 2022; Levenson et al, 2020). Practitioners should consider trauma as a possible explanation for dysregulated emotions and behavior, and deliver trauma-specific interventions to address trauma narratives and reduce PTSD symptoms.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Ripple Effects of Post-Conviction Traumatic Stress in People Required to Register as Sex Offenders and their Families

Levenson

Harris

2023

Sex Abuse

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Post-Conviction Traumatic Stress (PCTS) describes the cognitive, psychological, and physiological symptoms of trauma that result from a range of experiences with the criminal justice system. This pilot study aimed to empirically validate the construct of PCTS utilizing the Post-Traumatic Checklist (PCL-5), an existing measure of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) according to DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. Using mixed methods, the survey asked about the traumagenic impact of arrests, court proceedings, incarceration, probation/parole supervision, and sex offender registration requirements in a sample of people required to register as sexual offenders (RSOs; n = 290) and their family members ( n = 126). The PCL-5 was used to estimate the prevalence of PTSD and to explore the unique presentation of symptoms. Findings indicated that 69% of registrants and 62% of family members reported clinically significant indicators of PTSD. Examples of specific symptom presentations are illustrated through qualitative responses. Implications for clinical treatment, policy, and future research related to PCTS are discussed.

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“…Klient:innen mit eigenen Missbrauchs-und Traumatisierungserfahrungen im Kindes-und Erwachsenenalter weisen häufiger psychopathologische Belastungen auf, und eine Behandlung kann emotionalen Stress hinsichtlich des Umgangs mit den eigenen Viktimisierungserfahrungen auslösen (Grady et al 2021;Holloway et al 2018;Hubbard und Pealer 2009;Looman et al 2005 Klient:innen aufgrund des emotionalen Stresses, maladaptiver Coping-Strategien, eingeschränkter Selbstregulierungsfähigkeit, Bindungsschwierigkeiten sowie Beeinträchtigungen im Sozialverhalten nur bedingt fähig, an einer Behandlung teilzunehmen, diese planmäßig zu beenden und von ihr zu profitieren (Bonta und Andrews 2017;Brunner et al 2019;Grady et al 2021;Hubbard und Pealer 2009;Looman et al 2005;…”

Section: Psychische Belastungen Und Einschränkungenunclassified

Das spezifische Ansprechbarkeitsprinzip in der Behandlung delinquenter Personen

Stück

Brünner

2022

Forens Psychiatr Psychol Kriminol

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ZusammenfassungDas Risk-Need-Responsivity(RNR)-Modell erweist sich in der Behandlung straffällig gewordener Menschen als effektives Modell zur Reduktion der Rückfälligkeit für erneute Straftaten. Um eine individuelle Behandlung mit größtmöglicher Effektivität zu planen, sollen neben den Risikofaktoren v. a. auch die spezifischen Ansprechbarkeitsfaktoren (SAF) sorgfältig erfasst werden. Das spezifische Ansprechbarkeitsprinzip fordert eine klient:innenorientierte Flexibilität bei der Umsetzung der Behandlung und dem Umgang mit individuellen Behandlungsbarrieren. Dabei steht das Prinzip häufig in der Kritik, nicht ausreichend erforscht zu sein und in der Praxis selten berücksichtigt zu werden. Dieses Review bietet einen aktuellen Überblick über klient:innenbezogene SAF und soll Kliniker:innen dabei unterstützen, die SAF ihrer Klient:innen zu identifizieren, um die Behandlung daran anzupassen oder sie gezielt zu adressieren. Dabei unterstreicht dieser Artikel einmal mehr die Bedeutung, aber auch die Komplexität der Operationalisierung von SAF und den Umgang mit ihnen in der Behandlung und Forschung.

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Is sex-offending treatment trauma-informed? Exploring perspectives of clinicians and clients

Cited by 7 publications

References 59 publications

Learning From Consumers of Mandated Sex-Offending Programs: “It’s Not Treatment, I Wish It Was.”

Learning From Consumers of Mandated Sex-Offending Programs: “It’s Not Treatment, I Wish It Was.”

The Ripple Effects of Post-Conviction Traumatic Stress in People Required to Register as Sex Offenders and their Families

Das spezifische Ansprechbarkeitsprinzip in der Behandlung delinquenter Personen

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