Work

INSIGHT intervention for individuals who sexually offended against children: preliminary results of a randomized pilot study

Year: 2024

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: This study examined the preliminary results of a 25-session individual intervention program designed for individuals who sexually offended against children (ISOCs) in Portugal, whether in prison or the community setting. A randomized controlled pilot study was conducted, where eighteen ISOCs were randomly assigned to receive the INSIGHT intervention plus treatment as usual (TAU) or only TAU. ISOCs in the treatment condition demonstrated significant reductions in cognitive distortions related to child sexual abuse, some early maladaptive schemas, psychopathology, interpersonal problems, and risk of sexual violence, along with increases in self-esteem, empathy, and empathy towards victims, all with larger effect sizes. Most of these improvements were sustained at the 3-month follow-up. The intervention shows a potential promise in reducing the risk of sexual violence by addressing risk-relevant factors. Further evaluation with a larger sample is needed for more robust conclusions.

Source: Psychology Crime and Law

DOI: 10.1080/1068316x.2024.2381115

Authors: Marta Sousa, Rui Abrunhosa Gonçalves, Andreia de Castro-Rodrigues

Institutions: University of Minho, ISPA - Instituto Universitário, William James Center for Research

Language: English

Topic: Psychopathy, Forensic Psychiatry, Sexual Offending

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Gender equality

Open Access status: green

Funder: Universidade do Minho