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Little is known about the sexual victimization of prepubescent children by adolescents in the Spanish context. A survey was designed in order to collect updated evidence on these abusive sexual behaviors from professionals who work in direct contact with minors, with four thematic sections: (1) professional identification, (2) case characteristics, (3) abusive sexual behavior criteria, and (4) intervention; 42% assisted such cases, most of them involving one male perpetraror (mean age = 15 years) and a female victim (mean age = 8 years), over a span of time and not involving physical violence. Unanimous criteria to label a sexual interaction between minors as abusive were not found among the professionals, nor was observed a broad knowledge of specialized resources for the referral of those cases that could be identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) initiative provides a large-scale, dimensional framework for the integration of research findings across traditional diagnoses, with the long-term aim of improving existing psychiatric treatments. A neurodevelopmental perspective is essential to this endeavor. However, few papers synthesizing research findings across childhood and adolescent disorders exist. Here, we discuss how the RDoC framework may be applied to the study of childhood and adolescent impulsive and addictive disorders in order to improve neurodevelopmental understanding and to enhance treatment development. Given the large scope of RDoC, we focus on a single construct highly relevant to addictive and impulsive disorders – initial responsiveness to reward attainment. Findings from genetic, molecular, neuroimaging and other translational research methodologies are highlighted. Highlights • Adolescence represents a neurodevelopmental period of vulnerability for impulse-control and addictive behaviors. • Reward sensitivity represents an important construct relating to addictive behaviors and impulse control. • Considering reward sensitivity within a Research-Domain-Criteria framework has important implications for adolescent health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) propose a much-needed change in approach to the study of vulnerability factors implicated in mental disorders, shifting away from a categorical, disease-oriented model to a dimensional approach that focuses on underlying systems implicated in psychopathology. In this paper we illustrate this approach with a focus on the emergence of depression in childhood and adolescence. Based on evolutionary biological and developmental psychopathology considerations, we present an integrative developmental cascade model of depression that essentially suggests that depression emerges out of a three-pronged series of interacting impairments in the domains of stress regulation, reward, and mentalizing. We discuss the relation of these impairments to the five domains proposed by RDoC. We also focus on how this model may explain in large part the marked comorbidity of depression with other psychiatric disorders, as well as with functional somatic and somatic disorders. Limitations of this theoretical approach are discussed, as well as implications for the development, evaluation, and dissemination of interventions aimed at preventing or treating depression. Highlights • A developmental, evolutionary-based approach to pediatric depression is proposed. • Impairments in stress regulation, reward, and mentalizing (SRM) are discussed. • The relation of these impairments to the five domains proposed by RDoC is outlined. • Implications for future research and interventions are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex offenses, particularly those against children, have always been viewed negatively in society. A large portion of these offenses are committed by children against children. Most state legislatures focus on punitive measures when dealing with juvenile sex offenses, yet few place treatment on equal ground. Treatment has been shown to be effective in reducing the rate of recidivism of juvenile sex offenders. Juvenile sex offenders that participate in treatment have shown lower recidivism rates than adult offenders or untreated juvenile sex offenders. This Note advocates that states adopt legislation based on a successful statute in Colorado that creates a sex offender management board consisting of a multidisciplinary treatment team for juvenile sex offenders' treatment while requiring parental involvement in treatment as 'informed supervisors' when the team deems it appropriate. Key Points for the Family Court Community: Sex offender treatment on juveniles has been successful in reducing recidivism, as juveniles are more receptive to treatment than adults., Supervision and treatment of juvenile sex offenders would be more effective if parents or guardians are involved in the juvenile's sex offender treatment., States should adopt legislation based on the Colorado model that creates a sex offender management board and multidisciplinary team to supervise the treatment of juvenile sex offenders and requires appropriate parental involvement in the treatment as 'informed supervisors'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the number of victims disclosed by 12- to 17-year-old male, adjudicated juvenile sex offenders over the course of their mandated sex offender treatment program. Records were reviewed to ascertain the number of unique victims disclosed at each of four time periods: Adjudication, Assessment/Education phase (first day of treatment until polygraph), at the Polygraph Examination, and Continued Treatment (from after the polygraph until discharge). Results indicated a statistically significant increase in victims disclosed over those periods, representing a mean of 2.39 additional victims (SD = 3.50), with the greatest number of additional victims being reported during the Assessment/Education phase (prior to the polygraph). Notably, not all of the juvenile sex offenders reported additional victims; during the period of the highest disclosure (Time 2), 58.11% reported additional victims whereas polygraph examination resulted in disclosure by only one offender. These findings are somewhat different from previous studies and the results are discussed with reference to previous findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the background, individual characteristics, and offending behavior of 45 adolescent males who have sexually offended. This group was also compared to adolescents from the general population. The data sources were intake assessment information and questionnaires. Family problems and neglect were common. Having separated parents and growing up in large families or foster-homes discriminated the group from the general population of Swedish adolescent males. The group scored higher than norm data regarding anger, depression, and disruptive behavior. They showed a wish to present themselves in a positive way and they were less open concerning sexuality than a comparison group. There were overall few significant differences between the target group and the comparison groups. Future studies need to explore offender sub-groups; specifically how and why problematic backgrounds affect children differently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The elevated serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) rate among people with intellectual disabilities (ID) is unknown and have not been sufficiently studies. The present paper aims to provide the profile of GOT and GPT, and their associated relationship with other biochemical levels of children or adolescents with ID. A cross-sectional design was conducted in three Taiwanese public special schools to analyze annual health examination chart of students with ID. There were 1041 aged 3–21 years children and adolescents with ID participated in the study. The results show elevated rate of GOT and GPT were 3.7% and 7.2%, the study indicates the elevated GPT in children and adolescents with ID is higher than the general school aged children in Taiwan. In multiple linear regression models show that the factors of BMI, HBsAg, TC and UA can significantly explain the GOT value (R 2 =0.275). Those factors of gender, BMI, HBsAg, TC and UA can significantly explain 44.4% variation of GPT value (R 2 =0.444). To prevent the further liver disease burden in people with ID, the study highlights that the health care professionals should assess liver functions of this group of people, and to inform their caregivers the importance of implement regular liver health check-up. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study which determines the nature and causes of intrafamilial adolescent sex offenders (IASOs). It explores the meaning and concept of IASO as well as its possible interventions, and discusses the results of the four-year investigation of IASO community based treatment services in Western Australia. The study found out that IASOs have higher developmental trauma and family dysfunction, and they also demonstrate greater levels of behavioral difficulties.

Background Little is known about the institutional behaviour of incarcerated sex offenders. Aim To study the relationships between juvenile sex offending, thought psychopathology and institutional misconduct. Method We applied negative binomial regression and Area Under Curve Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUC-ROC) analyses to self-report and records data from institutionalised delinquents (N = 813) committed to the California Youth Authority to explore the links between sex offending and institutional misconduct, controlling for offender demographics, institution, index offence, and self-reported and official criminal history. Results Juvenile sex offending was associated with six forms of institutional misconduct (sexual, general and total misconduct as reviewed by parole board) over 12 and 24 months prior to rating. Two measures of thought psychopathology, which were related to psychosis-like thought, were significantly associated with juvenile sex offender status. These constructs did not, however, mediate the independent predictive effects of adolescent sex offending on institutional misconduct. Conclusion Interventions to help incarcerated young offenders are likely to be particularly important for those with a sex offending history as they are otherwise likely to persist with antisocial behaviours of all kinds within and beyond the institution. Attention to their thought processes may be particularly useful. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated attitudes toward juvenile sex offenders and factors influencing those attitudes. Additionally, the influences of perpetrator characteristics such as age, gender, and ethnicity on societal attitudes towards intervention requirements were also investigated. Overall, attitudes toward juvenile sex offenders and their treatment amenability were negative. No differences in attitudes toward juvenile sex offenders were found between those who had been victims of sexual abuse and those that had not. Sex offenses committed by juvenile female sex offenders were viewed to be more serious and require more intervention than those committed by juvenile male sex offenders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have longitudinally investigated the criminal profiles of violent juvenile sex and violent juvenile non sex offenders. To make up lot this lack, this study used police records of juveniles to determine the nature of the criminal profiles of violent sex offenders (n = 226) and violent non-sex offenders (n = 4,130). All offenders committed their first offense in 1996 and were followed for 7 years. Results showed that violent sex offenders and violent non-sex offenders cannot be considered a homogeneous group because of different background characteristics and criminal profiles. Sex and violent offenses often constitute a small part of a broader criminal pattern. Further research is necessary to reveal in more detail the developmental and criminological patterns of violent and sexual delinquency, Treatment and intervention programs may benefit from this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual offending by young people is increasingly viewed as a social problem that requires a strong response, but there is little research on the legal treatment of youthful sex offenders. On the one hand, these youths may be viewed as potential future sex offenders; on the other hand, because of their youth and immaturity they may be considered more reformable than adults and their behaviour more excusable. This article builds on an archival study of 385 sexual offence cases, which were disposed in court and by conference and formal caution, in South Australia from 1995 to 2001. Drawing on the transcripts of 55 cases sentenced by judges (i.e. the most legally serious offences), we analyse sentencing discourses and outcomes using both the explicit and latent content of the sentencing remarks. Specifically, we explore the judges' orientations and aims when sentencing adolescent sex offenders, how judges reconcile the seriousness of offending and the youthfulness of offenders and how they balance the competing interests of victims and offenders. Two major findings emerge. First, the cases fell in a three-way typology patterned by the victims' age, the context of the offence and the offender's criminal history. Second, our study suggests that while youth court judges consider sexual offending against children as very serious and are concerned by future offending, they do not adopt a punitive approach, but rather a therapeutic and rehabilitative perspective at sentencing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Several studies have paid attention to the relationship between psychiatric disorders and adolescent offending but few have distinguished different types of offenders, especially within the category of youngsters who have committed sex offences. Aim To test for relationships between psychiatric disorder and specific offence category among young male offenders. Method Nationwide data were extracted from Dutch Forensic Psychiatric Services (FPD) files for five groups of offenders, as defined by their index offence: 308 violent sex offenders; 134 non-violent sex-offenders; 270 sex offenders against children; 3148 violent offenders and 1620 offenders charged with any crime other than interpersonal body contact crimes. They were compared on individual characteristics and psychiatric diagnoses according to DSM-IV criteria. Having a diagnosis of a paraphilia alone was exclusively associated with sex offending, therefore all such youths were excluded from further analyses. The OVERALS technique was used to explore possible relationships between offence, psychiatric diagnoses, sociodemographic and individual characteristics among the remaining young men for whom all pertinent data were available (n = 1894). Results Sex offenders constituted a distinct group of juvenile delinquents. Developmental disorders were more common among non-violent sex offenders and child molesters. Violent offences were more typical of delinquents from immigrant backgrounds. Conclusion Group differences in types of psychiatric diagnoses may reflect differences in aetiological factors for the various types of sexual and other delinquent behaviour, and this would be worthy of further study. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study sex offences carried out by groups of juveniles, focusing on offender characteristics and the interaction patterns within offender groups and between offenders and victims. Using reconstructions of offences from court files as well as information retrieved from personality screenings, we conclude that perpetrators generally had below-average intelligence, and otherwise a fairly average personality profile. Group size was on average four. Offences were generally not planned as such. In some cases, offenders had agreed to have sex with a victim, although without discussing how to arrange that. In other cases, offenders seemed to know what was going to happen without discussing it beforehand. In one-third of the groups, a leader orchestrated the offence during the perpetration. The group either was instrumental or functioned as a public to witness the debasement of the victim. The offence itself is often regarded as entertainment. In most offence situations at least one vaginal rape took place. In many cases the victim was threatened, even after completion of the offence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a rapid growth in research interest and treatment facilities for adolescent sex offenders, understanding of how these adolescents differ from non-offending adolescents remains incomplete. This study contributes to knowledge of the distinguishing characteristics of offenders and focuses on levels of sexual knowledge and empathy that differentiates adolescent sex offenders and normative comparators. Data were collected from 55 male non-offending adolescents and compared to 221 male adolescent child molesters of a similar age who had attended a treatment clinic. Measures used were the Sexual Matters Questionnaire (ADOL) and the Victim Empathy Scale. The present study found that adolescent sexual offenders have less sexual knowledge and less victim empathy skills than non-offending adolescents. Results are discussed in terms of ethical, methodological and intervention implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven young people have been referred to the Taith Service for downloading offences over a 3-year period. The extent to which young “downloaders” may be similar or different to adults convicted of similar offences is considered. The sample group is also compared to a larger group of young people who have engaged in contact sexual offences across static and dynamic factors. The differences between these two sample groups and the potential implications thereof are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in self-reports among three groups of juvenile sex offenders (N 162) were examined. Risk was defined as the sum of the following static variables based on inter- views with juveniles and others and from written records: type of offense (violent or predatory = 1, not = 0), prior sex offense (any = 1, none = 0), history of sexual abuse (self or family= 1, none = 0), history of substance abuse (self or family = 1, none = 0), history of behavior problems (yes = 1, no = 0), and unstable home life (yes 1, stable = 0). Low-risk (0 to 2 risk factors), medium-risk (3 factors), and high-risk (4 to 6 factors) groups of offenders were formed. Univariate ANCOVAs indicated that the high-risk group reported less family cohesion, more aggression, lower self esteem, more social discomfort, and more frequent and extreme sexual fantasies. The implications of these findings for differential identification of and interventions with adolescent sex offenders are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There exists a paucity of research on psychopathology among Juvenile Sex Offenders (JSOs) as measured by standardized instruments, particularly as compared to nonclinical and other clinical populations. The current investigation involved a comparison of scores on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent Version (MMPI-A) between a group of JSOs and non-sex offending delinquent peers. Thirty-six youth from a staff-secure residential facilitate participated, 18 JSOs and 18 non-sex offending delinquent peers. Results revealed that the mean score on clinical Scale 4 (Psychopathic Deviant) was in the clinically significant range for non-sex offending peers and not for JSOs, although the difference between the mean scores was not statistically significant. Chi-square analysis indicated that a significantly greater number of non-sex offending delinquents had scores in the clinical range on this scale as compared to JSOs. Results are discussed in the context of current research on psychopathology among JSOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article evaluates the validity of the Abel Assessment for sexual interest (AASI) with male adolescent who have molested children. The article examines whether the AASI can differentiate adolescents who admit to molesting a child from nonmolesting adolescents, only on the basis of their Visual Reaction Time (VRT). Additionally, it determines whether VRT is related to the number of children the adolescent has molested and their number of acts of child molestation. In comparison to nonmolesters, admitted adolescent child molesters viewed slides of children significantly longer, suggesting more sexual interest in children. Additionally, the VRT of admitted male adolescent child molesters to slides of children was positively correlated with the number of children they molested and with the number of acts of child molestation they committed, both indicators of the criterion validity of the AASI. By determining the various factors in admitted adolescent offenders that are correlated with larger numbers of victims and more acts of child molestation committed, researchers may be able to aid clinicians in identifying high risk offenders.

This exploratory study compares the empathic ability and hypermasculinity levels of 44 male adolescent sex offenders and 57 non-offending adolescent males, as measured by an adapted version of Hanson and Scott's Empathy for Women Test, i.e. the Empathy for Girls Test, and an adolescent version of Mosher and Sirkin's Hypermasculinity Inventory. These measures were found to have satisfactory psychometric properties. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of the total Hypermasculinity Inventory score between the offending and non-offending sample. Two of the sub-scales ( callous sexual attitudes towards females and adversarial attitudes towards females and sexual minorities ) were statistically significant in the hypothesised direction. This suggested important qualitative differences between the masculine attitudes of adolescent sex offenders and non-offending adolescents, rather than differences between their levels of masculinity per se . The Empathy for Girls Test yielded statistically significant differences between the two groups as regards their total scores and sub-scale scores, indicative of both an overall empathy deficit, in addition to specific empathy difficulties. Correlation results demonstrated an association between empathic ability and hypermasculinity amongst the non-offenders when compared with the offenders. Findings are discussed in terms of the difficulties of researching this topic, future directions for research and possible emphasis for intervention with offenders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This grounded theory study was designed to generate a mid-range theory of treatment from the perspective of boys who have molested children and undergone outpatient treatment. Data included information from seven boys' charts, their written responses to open-ended questions, and audio-taped interviews. The interviews generated a series of statements reflecting the boys' experiences in treatment, which were analysed by the constant comparative method. The basic social process of treatment was 'becoming a success story'. The structural elements of becoming a success story included relapse prevention, compliance and decision-making. The boys integrated these structural elements by talking to people they trusted, listening to what people said, and using what people said to help them do what was right. Becoming a success story took place in a context of family and community support. In its current form, this theory of treatment success can be used in practice to monitor progress through treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined the perceptions of early interpersonal experiences of sexual offenders (child molesters and rapists) and two criminal comparison groups. A grounded theory approach was applied to a comprehensive list of responses provided by the participants to questions about their early interpersonal experiences. The raw data was collapsed into 14 basic categories by grouping together responses of similar meanings. The categories were responsiveness, consistency, acceptance, boundaries, emotional regulation, autonomy, self-evaluation, developmental trauma, sexual abuse and deviation, physical abuse, loss, conflict, safety, and positive mediating interactions. In the second part of the study, the four groups were compared using the categories and the differences noted. All four groups experienced significantly negative early interpersonal experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the impact of sexually violent person commitment laws on juvenile sex offenders in the U.S. The violation of the rights of the nation's youngest offenders by a state's criminal, juvenile and mental health laws is demonstrated by Illinois. Juveniles charged with sexual assault do not receive jury trials which in turn violates their rights to due process. The protection of a jury trial is needed by juvenile offenders as they face severe consequences when charged with violent sexual offenses.

The authors examined the responses of adolescent sex offenders against children on a phallometric test of pedophilic interests. Participants were 40 adolescent sex offenders against children, 75 young adult sex offenders against children, and 39 young adult comparison participants. The responses of adolescents with female victims resembled those of comparison participants; adolescents with any male victims had larger relative responses to child stimuli than comparison participants. Young adult offenders, regardless of victim sex, had larger relative responses to child stimuli than comparison participants. Using a cut score of 0 (indicating equal or greater arousal to children than to adults), sensitivity was 42% for adolescents with any male victims, and specificity was 92% for the comparison participants. Results suggest phallometric testing can identify pedophilic interests among these adolescent sex offenders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the personal development of, family characteristics of and the types of offense committed by male adolescent sex offenders against children. Comparison of the characteristics of offenders with and those without histories of sexual abuse; Correlation between parental loss and sexual abuse; Effects of sexual abuse history on the offenders' behavior.

A Brunswikian Evolutionary-Developmental model was developed to relate the sex offending behavior of adolescents to other forms of social deviance, tracing a history of repeated frustration and failure in various competitive sexual strategies and escalation to more extreme means of obtaining sexual gratification. Four hypothetical constructs were proposed as stages in the development of sexual criminality: (1) Psycho-Social Deficiency (PSD); (2) Non-Criminal Sexuality (NCS); (3) Non-Sexual Criminality (NSC); and (4) Sexual Criminality (SC). Significant direct and indirect pathways led from PSD to SC through both NCS and NSC, each time facilitated by an interaction with PSD. Although the causal orders between stages remain equivocal, the current results are consistent with our theory and establish the heuristic value of our theoretical approach, providing empirical support for otherwise counterintuitive predictions. This interpretation also offers hope for focusing preventative intervention at one major root cause of this unfortunate cascade of consequences, Psycho-Social Deficiency. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of cognition in child sexual abuse is an important, yet virtually ignored area of inquiry. Data from the role construct repertory grid technique (rep grid; Kelly, 1955) were collected from 10 child sexual abusers and 10 "sexually normal" individuals in an attempt to replicate a study by Howells (1979) on child molesters' thoughts about their victims and other people. Replicated were the findings concerning the tendency of the combined offender groups to think of females, relative to males, in sexual and physical appearance terms. More importantly, however, tendency of child molesters to use more egoistic constructs than non-sex offenders was not replicated. Brief discussion of the failure to find significant between-group differences is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is intended to provide a broad overview of the treatment issues and processes for adolescent sexual offenders. Through the authors' experience treating hundreds of juvenile sex offenders in a state correctional institution, five major treatment tasks are identified: 1. breaking through the offender's denial; 2. addressing offenders' own history of victimization and its impact on their present lifestyle; 3. confronting dysfunctional attitudes and values that support sexual victimization; 4. teaching social skills and 5. changing deviant arousal patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juvenile sex offenders (JSO) are a specific subset of delinquent adolescents that are receiving more attention because of the crimes they commit and the issues surrounding how to successfully treat their deviant behaviors. Given JSO are such predominant treatment concerns in society, it is essential to identify and target key risk factors. One sexual behavior, bestiality, may be of particular importance to address in treatment. In a meta-analysis conducted by Seto and Lalumiere, a 14% rate of bestiality among JSO was reported. This current study examined the differences in JSO (n = 32) who admitted bestiality based upon a self-report measure, the Multiphasic Sexual Inventory-II (MSIII), compared to information elicited by polygraphs. The results indicated extensive underreporting of bestiality behaviors between these two sources of information (MSI-II = 37.5%; polygraph = 81.25%). These findings are important given the reliance treatment programs place on information elicited from self-report tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]