Treatment of Rapists as Sex Offenders Using Cognitive Behavioral Technique (CBT)

Introduction

Treatment of sexual offenders has evolved over the years as a result of development and modifications of various theoretical and practical models of treatment. The recommended approach is one that is concerned with effective correctional intervention, follows cognitive-behavioral and skills-based inclination, and targets risk factors linked with sexual offending and recidivism to minimize chances of re-offending (Yates, 2013). Rape is a prevalent sexual offense and as such the population of rapists is high. There are various models that are used in the assessment and treatment of rapists. These include Penile Plethysmography, the Abel assessment for sexual interest, chemotherapy, behavior modification, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and cognitive behavioral technique. Among these, Cognitive Behavioral Technique (CBT), supported by theoretical approaches to evaluate its effectiveness, is the most effective treatment for rapists as sex offenders and decreasing recidivism.

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Typical Assessment Techniques used to Evaluate Rapists

These techniques are penile Plethysmography and the Abel assessment.

Penile Plethysmography

It is used to evaluate sexual interests and arousal levels of the rapist. This is done by placing a penile plethysmograph device on the penis circumference, followed by displaying sexually stimulating images and suggestive materials. The level of attraction and arousal is determined by measuring minute changes in his erectile responses. This method is widely used in the treatment programs for the rapists who volunteer for the evaluation. The test is used in monitoring the likelihood of the sex offender to re-offend.

The Abel Assessment for Sexual Interest (AASI)

This test measures a person's sexual interest to a particular subject as well as providing information concerning involvement in problematic or abusive sexual behavior (Yates, 2013). The test determines sexual interest reaction time. The Abel Assessment consists of two sections. The first is a self-report questionnaire in which the offenders write their sexual preferences, their ability to control sexual urges, as well as a history of their sexual behavior. The section also analyses particular qualities of the person to identify whether they fit with the stereotypical qualities of a sexual offender.

The second section comprises a display of one hundred and sixty images of different people of different ages and gender who may be scantily dressed or in inappropriate positions. The score of AASI is centered on the time that one consumes in viewing some pictures or a cluster of images. The people undertaking the test are unaware that the time they spend viewing is being monitored. The score range is placed from 1 to 7, denoting highly disgusting to highly arousing. The time spent on particular images are taken as indicators that the person has possible sexual interest in the person on the photo or otherwise.

Special Characteristics of Rapists and their Implications on the Treatment Approach

Characteristics

The rapist population has certain special characteristics unique from the other categories of sex offenders. These characteristics usually impose particular implications on the treatment approach. One of the special characteristics is that rapists are a unique group of sex offenders which is easily distinguishable from others (Jung, Jamieson, Buro, & DeCesare, 2012). This is because the effect of rape can be measured and determined easily than cases such as inappropriate sexual advances. Two, most of the rapists have been found to be young with an average age of thirty-two years. Three, this population has been found to be prone to recidivism on non-sexual offenses as compared to other sex offenders such as child molesters (Jung et al, 2012). And four, rapists exhibit similar aspects with individuals that commit general crimes.

Implications to the Treatment Approach

The characteristics mentioned above implicate the treatment approach taken for the rapists in several ways. One, it becomes challenging to treat these people due to their ability to recidivate and engage in different criminal behaviors. Two, in the efforts to effectively treat rapists, the approach must focus on both sexual crime and criminal issues to avoid reoffending. Three, rapists treatment is made to focus on altering deviant sexual behaviors.

Current Treatment Approaches used to Treat Rapists

These are chemotherapy, behavior modification, and psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves the use of some anti-androgenic hormones with a moderating impact of sexual aggressiveness. The hormones are intended to help improve self-control of the sexual behavior of the rapist. In most cases, the anti-androgenic chemical Depo-Provera is used in this method of treatment. Chemotherapy aims at reducing the rapist's risk of reoffending.

Behavior Modification

This approach targets the sexual behavior of the rapist. The approach seeks to alter the rapist's pattern of sexual arousal. It also seeks to stimulate desirable social behavior that would drive the rapist's mind from committing the crime. Behavior modification approach mainly targets the behaviors and thoughts that are particularly linked to the rape.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

This approach traces back to the rapist's childhood in an attempt to discover the real cause of their raping behavior. Research studies have indicated that possible social crimes could be linked to one's childhood. If there is a link, the treatment procedure includes addressing the childhood issues identified. Psychodynamic psychotherapy appeals to all rapists since they burden their actions on someone else.

Cognitive Behavioral Technique (CBT)

This treatment approach concentrates on changing the affective, cognitive, and behavioral responding patterns linked with the sexual offense. In practice, it encompasses addressing overall self-governing competencies, challenging cognitive distortions, and changing attitudes among others (Thornton, 2013). When applied appropriately, it focuses on the development of rapists skills associated with vigorous risk factors. It also involves extensive practice and rehearsal of self-regulatory and adaptive skills learned to ensure rapists are well-entrenched in their behavioral repertoire (Thornton, 2013). Some of its components include delineating the offense procedure that leads to rape events, sexual self-regulation, and creating relapse prevention strategies among others.

Theoretical Approaches to Evaluate Cognitive Behavioural Technique Effectiveness

The two theoretical approaches applied are Realistic Evaluation and Theory of Change.

Realistic Evaluation

This was formulated by Pawson and Tilley (2006). It argues that outcome is equal to mechanism and context. It uses some basic questions which inquire what works, to whom, their conditions and respects, and in what manners. It establishes and empirically tests the hypotheses on the results of CBT in the treatment of rapists. It is research-based, concentrating on the cognitive behavior theory, behavioral expectations at play, and circumstances backing it.

Theory of Change approaches

The approaches entail establishing a model of change for the CBT to demonstrate how it is intended to perform and the assumptions behind it. They answer the traditional assessment questions on if and to what degree the cognitive behavior technique has performed. They are established on the bases of sources of information and views of stakeholders. Contribution analysis, theory-driven evaluation, and theory-based evaluation are some examples of theory of change approaches.

Conclusion

Rapists as sex offender population are assessed by penile Plethysmography and the Abel assessments for sexual interest. The population has unique characteristics which influence their treatment. Chemotherapy, behavior modification, and Psychodynamic psychotherapy are current treatments used for rapists. However, the cognitive-behavioral technique, when evaluated by realistic evaluation and theory of change approaches, is the most effective treatment for decreasing rapists' recidivism.

References

Jung, S., Jamieson, L., Buro, K., & DeCesare, J. (2012). Attitudes and decisions about sexual offenders: A comparison of laypersons and professionals. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 22(3), 225-238.

Pawson, R. (2006). Evidence-based policy: a realist perspective. Sage.

Thornton, D. (2013). Implications of our developing understanding of risk and protective factors in the treatment of adult male sexual offenders. International journal of behavioral consultation and therapy, 8(3-4), 62.

Yates, P. M. (2013). Treatment of sexual offenders: Research, best practices, and emerging models. International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 8(3-4), 89-95.