Teenage sex offenders have the same level of social competence as non-offenders, according to a new study from the University of Lethbridge in Canada.
- Professor Martin LaLumiere and his colleagues analyzed 59 previous studies of more than 3,800 male sex offenders, comparing them with non-offenders in the same age group, 12 to 18 years old.
- Sex offenders tended to have been sexually abused as children and to have atypical sexual interests, and they were more likely to feel socially isolated.
- However, the teens sex offenders had about the same degree of social skills and the same number of family problems as non-offenders.
- Dr. LaLumiere said that although social skills training is often included in their rehabilitation, it is probably unnecessary.
- The researchers concluded that prevention of childhood sexual abuse might be a better strategy toward reducing sex crimes among young people.
The study appeared in the journal Psychological Bulletin.
Labels: sexual abuse, abuse
Posted By: Troubled Teens