Changes in the coping strategies of extrafamilial child molesters following cognitive behavioural relapse prevention treatment

Abstract

Despite the important role of effective coping in cognitive-behavioural treatment programs for sexual offenders to reduce sexual recidivism, research that explores changes in coping strategies is lacking. The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in coping strategies identified by child molesters following cognitive-behavioural relapse prevention treatment. Treated incarcerated child molesters were compared to a group of incarcerated child molesters on a waiting list. Groups completed various measures aimed at identifying coping strategies used in specific high-risk situations, general coping styles, and the use of sexual coping strategies. The results indicated that treated child molesters do show evidence of changes in their selected strategies. Compared to a waiting list group, treated child molesters are able to identify more effective coping strategies in specific high-risk situations. As well, changes are noted in their general coping styles, with an increase in the endorsement of task-focused and social diversion strategies. There were no changes in their endorsement of emotion-focused strategies, distraction strategies, or sexual coping strategies. The changes that occurred are encouraging and suggest that treatment has a positive impact on child molesters' choice of strategies. However, it appears that a more concentrated effort may be required to modify the use of emotion-focused strategies.