A Dynamic Risk Factors-Based Typology of Sexual Offenders

Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol. 2017 Oct;61(14):1623-1647. doi: 10.1177/0306624X16629399. Epub 2016 Feb 12.

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to develop an Spanish psychometric typology of sexual offenders taking into account dynamic risk factors. The sample comprised 94 sex offenders imprisoned in Spain (52 rapists and 42 child molesters). The analysis yielded two different offender categories based on the subjects' criminogenic needs level (high and low). The results also showed that social desirability has a strong influence on the developed typologies, whereas the offence type, sociodemographic characteristics, and criminal history do not. A dynamic risk factors typology, such as the one proposed here, could help criminal and correctional facilities to fulfill their remit. It could also be useful for linking treatment intensity to offenders' criminogenic needs, as well as providing a platform for recidivism risk assessments.

Keywords: cluster analysis; dynamic risk factors; sex offenders; social desirability; typology.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Criminal Behavior*
  • Criminals*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychometrics
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Offenses*
  • Spain