Self-Regulation Model of the Relapse Process in Sexual Offenders (From Handbook of Sex Offender Treatment, P 10-1 - 10-8, 2011, Barbara K. Schwartz, ed. - See NCJ-243091)

• NCJ Number: 243101
• Author(s): Tony Ward, Ph.D.
• Date Published: 2011
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: Civic Research Institute, Inc
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Program Description (Model)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter presents a self-regulation model of the sexual offending relapse process that meets four essential criteria.

Abstract

First, a comprehensive model of the relapse process must contain a number of pathways, preferably taking into account various types of goals (e.g., approach vs. avoidance goals), varying emotional states (initial and ongoing), and different types of planning. Second, it should include an explicit temporal emphasis and be able to account for the dynamic nature of the offense process. Third, it must account for the various phases, or milestones, of the offense process, at least as they are currently understood. This includes the influence of background factors, distal vulnerability factors, decisions that lead to high-risk situations, the initial lapse, the sexual offense, and the impact of the offense on subsequent offending. Fourth, the psychological mechanisms that drive or inhibit the relapse process should be identified and described in a theoretically coherent way. The author notes that compared to Pithers' relapse prevention model, the proposed self-regulation model provides a more comprehensive understanding of the factors associated with relapse; consequently, it assists clinicians in tailoring treatment to individual offenders. 10 references