Examining sex offenders' intimacy deficits: their nature and their influence on sexually abusive behaviours

Abstract

Despite their purported role in the development and maintenance of sexually abusive behaviours, little is known empirically about sex offenders' (SOs) intimacy deficits. This study examined: (1) the presence and specific nature of intimacy deficits in SOs; and (2) the association between intimacy deficits and sexual recidivism risk. A sample of 195 SOs, 113 nonsexual offenders and 107 non-offenders were compared on psychological measures of intimacy with romantic partners. Specific intimacy deficits pertaining to attachment anxiety, sexual self-concept and sexual functioning were found in SOs. Further analyses showed that intimacy deficits vary among SOs, and that SOs displaying marked anxiety of abandonment and intimacy avoidance, and a lower capacity for general intimacy, presented a higher risk of sexual recidivism. The results are discussed in connection with the importance of better understanding SOs' adaptive and problematic intimacy dispositions, and the possible impact of these dispositions on sexual offending.