Patient Self-Report Data and Assessment Measure Correlation

Convicted sex offenders are mandated to specialized treatment in many states, including California. Approaches to mandated treatment continue to adjust, based on a growing body of research and literature. In the context of this expanding knowledge, lawmakers, the public, and treatment providers have directed their attention to best practices and treatment efficacy. A review of the literature yielded information concerning the use of the containment model, but there were gaps in the literature specific to the relationship between assessment measures and self-report data in the sex offender population. Although there is some agreement on the use of certain approaches, such as sex offender specific therapy, assessment measures, communication with law enforcement, and the use of polygraph, it is not always clear how and if these elements correlate with one another. In the area of self-report data in a mandated treatment environment, it was asked if a participant would disclose deviant sexual interest that correlated with an assessment measure designed to detect deviant sexual interest. The purpose of this quantitative study was to explore the relationship between a participant's self-report sexual interest in children and the Abel Assessment for Sexual Interest-2(AASI-2). Archival data from a sex-offender treatment center was studied to determine if there was a correlation between a participant's endorsement of having fantasies about sexual contact with children and results obtained from the AASI-2. The results indicated that there is a moderate positive correlation between self-report data of sexual interest in children and sexual interest in children detected on the AASI-2. In a mandated treatment environment, participants' disclosures were congruent with results of testing. This information has value for lawmakers and treatment providers as approaches to sex offender treatment continue to evolve, particularly concerning self-report deviant sexual fantasies. The main social impact of this study was that it contributes to the body of information which helps to inform approaches adopted and employed by treatment providers, law enforcement, and policy makers concerning a difficult special population. As an indirect result, this can have potential benefits for the safety and welfare of society.