An investigation into the personality characteristics of adolescent sex offenders

Cullen, Poppy Lucy (2011). An investigation into the personality characteristics of adolescent sex offenders. University of Birmingham. Foren.Psy.D.

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Abstract

The first chapter of the thesis systematically reviewed the research on personality typologies of adolescent sexual offenders and highlights the findings that different subgroups exist. Differences in factors affecting the grouping of these offenders such as inpatient vs. outpatient and the crime committed are explored. Chapter 2 investigated the validity and reliability of the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI, Millon, 1993) and reported generally good levels of reliability and validity for the MACI however limitations of the psychometric are also discussed. In particular, attention is drawn to the lack of research regarding the stability of the MACI over different time periods and with different samples. Some questionable findings regarding the concurrent validity of the MACI are also considered. Chapter 3 investigated personality typologies of adolescent sex offenders, using a sample of young men referred to a community based treatment programme (N=83). A cluster analysis was conducted and produced 4 distinct subgroups of offenders: Submissive/Anxious, Antisocial/Delinquent, Undersocialised/Isolated and Disturbed/Oppositional. The impact upon treatment, assessment and management of adolescent sex offenders is discussed in light of these results. Chapter 4 discusses the general findings of the thesis. The implications of these findings are considered in terms of future research, existing limitations and informing clinical practice.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Foren.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Foren.Psy.D.

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