NCJ Number
177049
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 23 Issue: 2 Dated: February 1999 Pages: 129-143
Date Published
1999
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article examines cognitive distortions and blame attribution in sex offenders against adults and children.
Abstract
Two groups of sexual offenders separated on the basis of the age of their victims (36 against children, 30 against adults) were compared on measures of cognitive distortions relating to sex with children, rape, and a measure of blame attribution assessing external, and internal factors. Child sexual offenders endorsed more cognitive distortions relating to sex with children, but there were no group differences in cognitive distortions relating to rape. Those who offended against adults reported more external attributions and child offenders reported more guilt feeling attributions. Mental element attribution related to alcohol intoxication and use of violence in the offense, but was not related to group differences. These results suggest that child sex offenders support their offending by more enduring distorted cognitions, while offenders against adults use blame attributions associated with the particular offense. Tables, references