NCJ Number
145747
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 38 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1993) Pages: 765-768
Date Published
1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Anthropometric measurements were obtained on 23 pedophiles and 13 rapists to test the hypothesis that rapists in a sexual offender residential treatment program would be stronger, manifest more mesomorphic versus endomorphic features, and have less body fat than pedophiles.
Abstract
The research was conducted at a State forensic facility for the residential treatment of mentally disordered sexual offenders. Before the residents were measured and weighed, they completed a questionnaire on their life history of sexual offending. The questionnaire sought information on the age, sex, and relationship of victims; the nature of sexual acts performed; penetration occurrence and type; physical injury to victims; and the use of bribes, force, or threats. Hand grip strength was measured using a Jamar hand dynamometer, and 10 separate body measurements were taken, including height and weight. Triceps skinfold thickness was measured with calipers on the nondominant arm as an indicator of body fat. Findings provided mild support for the hypothesis that rapists in the sample would be stronger, more muscular, and have less body fat than pedophiles. The authors conclude that certain anthropometric measurements may be associated with different sex offender types and that further investigation is needed to explore how biological variables relate to sex offender behavior. 11 references and 1 table