| Previous research has suggested that sex offenders hold deficits in several areas of emotional functioning. The present study investigated whether or not a battery of tests designed to measure different facets of emotional-social competence, personality, and cognitive intelligence could differentiate rapists and child molesters from a general offender reference group and a community reference group. Eight rapists, 17 child molesters, 12 non-sex offending inmates, and a community reference group (n=10) were administered the Bar-On EQ-i, the MMPI-168, and the WASI. Results indicated that the sex offenders had elevations on the Psychopathic Deviate and Schizophrenia scales. Rapists had below average ESI, displayed difficulties with emotional management and regulation, were less able to control emotions, and displayed deficits in empathy. The child molesters EQ-i scores did not differ from the reference groups, and displayed above average emotional control. These findings may be related to sex offender modus operandi. Treatment implications are discussed. |
PDF Full Text Request