Development and Refinement of a Measure of Attitudes Toward Sex Offender Treatment

Abstract

Abstract In recent years public attitudes toward sex offenders have become increasingly punitive. Consequently, new legislation pertaining to the sentencing and treatment of convicted sex offenders has been focused on containment and monitoring rather than rehabilitation. However, research suggests that treatment programs for sex offenders are effective in decreasing subsequent sexual recidivism. This study describes the development and refinement of a brief scale for assessing public attitudes toward the treatment of sex offenders (ATTSO). Of the original item pool, 15 items were found to statistically and theoretically function well, forming three internally consistent factors measuring attitudes of incapacitation, treatment ineffectiveness and mandated treatment. The utility of the scale as it pertains to treatment centers and public policy development will be discussed.