Sex offenders in denial : a study into a group of forensic psychologists' attitudes regarding the corresponding impact upon risk assessment calculations and parole eligibility

James E Freeman; Gavan R Palk; Jeremy D Davey

doi:10.1080/14789940903194103

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Sex offenders in denial : a study into a group of forensic psychologists' attitudes regarding the corresponding impact upon risk assessment calculations and parole eligibility

Journal article

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Sex offenders in denial : a study into a group of forensic psychologists' attitudes regarding the corresponding impact upon risk assessment calculations and parole eligibility

James E Freeman, Gavan R Palk and Jeremy D Davey

Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology, Vol.21(1), pp.39-51

2010

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14789940903194103

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Abstract

sex offenders

denial

risk assessment

parole

A considerable proportion of convicted sex offenders maintain a stance of innocence and thus do not engage in recommended treatment programmes. As a result, such offenders are often deemed to have outstanding criminogenic needs which may negatively impact upon risk assessment procedures and parole eligibility. This paper reports on a study that aimed to investigate a group of forensic psychologists' attitudes regarding the impact of denial on risk assessment ratings as well as parole eligibility. Participants completed a confidential open-ended questionnaire. Analysis indicated that considerable variability exists among forensic psychologists in regards to their beliefs about the origins of denial and what impact such denial should have on postprison release eligibility. In contrast, there was less disparity regarding beliefs about the percentage of innocent yet incarcerated sex offenders. This paper also reviews current understanding regarding the impact of denial on recidivism as well as upon general forensic assessments.

Details

Title: Sex offenders in denial : a study into a group of forensic psychologists' attitudes regarding the corresponding impact upon risk assessment calculations and parole eligibility
Authors: James E Freeman (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Gavan R Palk (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Jeremy D Davey (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Publication details: Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology, Vol.21(1), pp.39-51
Publisher: Routledge
Date published: 2010
DOI: 10.1080/14789940903194103
ISSN: 1478-9949
Organisation Unit: Road Safety Research Collaboration; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society; Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450620902621
Output Type: Journal article

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