The assessment and treatment of sexual offenders with intellectual disability: New directions

Gray, Emma Louise (2018). The assessment and treatment of sexual offenders with intellectual disability: New directions. University of Birmingham. Foren.Psy.D.

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Abstract

This thesis explores sexual offenders with intellectual disability (ID), the current position on assessment and treatment, and future directions. Chapter one distinguishes between the mainstream sexual offender population and the sub-population of ID sexual offenders. Chapter two reviews the literature on the treatment of ID sexual offenders. The majority of studies evaluated cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) group programmes. The review highlighted a paucity of research exploring mindfulness and biofeedback in treating ID sexual offenders. Chapter three examines the Questionnaire on Attitudes Consistent with Sexual Offences (QACSO; Lindsay, Whitefield, Carson, Broxholme, & Steptoe, 2004), a widely used measure with ID sexual offenders. The review highlights the benefits of using the QACSO with those with ID due to the adaptations embedded in the development of the measure. Chapter four explores the impact of biofeedback in improving emotion regulation in ID sexual offenders. The study did not demonstrate any significant improvement following treatment in self-assessed emotion regulation, observed acts of aggression, or observed acts of sexually inappropriate behaviour. However, there were some non-significant improvements noted in self-assessed emotion regulation, and the feasibility of this intervention is discussed further. Chapter five provides a thesis conclusion along with recommendations for future research and clinical practice.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Foren.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Foren.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):