Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Medicine and Health Sciences Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 30 of 38

Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

Child Physical Abuse, David J. Hansen, Georganna Sedlar, Jody E. Warner-Rogers Mar 2012

Child Physical Abuse, David J. Hansen, Georganna Sedlar, Jody E. Warner-Rogers

David J. Hansen

Widespread attention to the problem of child physical abuse has increased dramatically in recent decades. Extensive research evidence has described child physical abuse as a complex, multidimensional phenomenon that is best assessed by procedures using multiple modalities (e.g., interview, self-report, direct observation) that address multiple content areas. Comprehensive assessment is essential for identifying risk and occurrence of abuse, guiding the focus or direction of treatment, as well as monitoring treatment efficacy and outcome, all of which may be disseminated to interested parties as appropriate (e.g., CPS, judicial system, school, other treatment providers). Increasingly specific and relevant procedures have become available …


Nonoffending Parent Expectations Of Sexually Abused Children: Predictive Factors And Influence On Children’S Recovery, Haig Kouyoumdjian, Andrea R. Perry, David J. Hansen Mar 2012

Nonoffending Parent Expectations Of Sexually Abused Children: Predictive Factors And Influence On Children’S Recovery, Haig Kouyoumdjian, Andrea R. Perry, David J. Hansen

David J. Hansen

This study examined the influence of parental expectations on the functioning of sexually abused children. Participants included 67 sexually abused youth and 63 of their nonoffending primary caregivers. Parental expectations about how sexual abuse will impact children were predictive of parents’ ratings of children’s behavior at pretreatment, while parental expectations of children’s overall future functioning were not predictive of parents’ ratings of children’s behavior. Parental expectations about how sexual abuse will impact their children and about their children’s overall future functioning were not predictive of parents’ ratings of children’s behavior at posttreatment. Results highlight the influential role the sexual abuse …


The Traumatic Stress Response In Child Maltreatment And Resultant Neuropsychological Effects, Kathryn R. Wilson, David J. Hansen, Ming Li Mar 2012

The Traumatic Stress Response In Child Maltreatment And Resultant Neuropsychological Effects, Kathryn R. Wilson, David J. Hansen, Ming Li

David J. Hansen

Child maltreatment is a pervasive problem in our society that has long-term detrimental consequences to the development of the affected child such as future brain growth and functioning. In this paper, we surveyed empirical evidence on the neuropsychological effects of child maltreatment, with a special emphasis on emotional, behavioral, and cognitive process–response difficulties experienced by maltreated children. The alteration of the biochemical stress response system in the brain that changes an individual’s ability to respond efficiently and efficaciously to future stressors is conceptualized as the traumatic stress response. Vulnerable brain regions include the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, the amygdala, the hippocampus, and …


Factors Influencing Children To Self-Disclose Sexual Abuse, Mary L. Paine, David J. Hansen Mar 2012

Factors Influencing Children To Self-Disclose Sexual Abuse, Mary L. Paine, David J. Hansen

David J. Hansen

Self-disclosure by victims of child sexual abuse (CSA) is critical to initiate legal and therapeutic intervention. Unfortunately, research indicates that lengthy delays in disclosure and even nondisclosure are common. A comprehensive review of the clinical and research literature on CSA and an overview of related bodies of literature was conducted. Areas addressed include the context of sexual abuse as it relates to disclosure, the context and elements of children’s disclosures, motivational factors inhibiting disclosure, and models of the disclosure process. Ancillary and analogue research on secrecy and disclosure are also reviewed. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.


Child Sexual Abuse In Asian American Families: An Examination Of Cultural Factors That Influence Prevalence, Identification, And Treatment, Kristine T. Futa, Eugenia Hsu, David J. Hansen Mar 2012

Child Sexual Abuse In Asian American Families: An Examination Of Cultural Factors That Influence Prevalence, Identification, And Treatment, Kristine T. Futa, Eugenia Hsu, David J. Hansen

David J. Hansen

Child sexual abuse affects thousands of families each year. Issues pertaining to the prevalence, identification, and treatment of sexual abuse have been relatively well explored in the literature as they pertain to the dominant European American culture. These issues, however, are still relatively unexplored in terms of how sexual abuse affects Asian American families and the Asian American community. We review the relevant literature in Asian American families. These matters are explored in the context of Asian American values such as collectivity, conformity, inconspicuousness, middle position virtue, shame, self-control, and fatalism. Attitudes toward family, sexuality, and the mental health system …


Factors Influencing Self-Rated Preparedness For Graduate School: A Survey Of Graduate Students, Matthew T. Huss, Brandy A. Randall, Marc Patry, Stephen F. Davis, David J. Hansen Mar 2012

Factors Influencing Self-Rated Preparedness For Graduate School: A Survey Of Graduate Students, Matthew T. Huss, Brandy A. Randall, Marc Patry, Stephen F. Davis, David J. Hansen

David J. Hansen

Numerous studies have found a host of factors that are likely to result in more successful applications to graduate schools. This study was a retrospective examination of the variables that distinguish graduate students who believed they were better prepared for graduate school. We examined several of these factors, including variables associated with undergraduate education and the individual for their relation to self-rated preparedness for graduate school. Our findings highlighted quality faculty interactions and participation in research as important factors in graduate students’ post hoc ratings of their preparedness for graduate school. We also found that different types of institutions differed …


Child Physical Abuse And Neglect, Jody E. Warner-Rogers, David J. Hansen, Debra B. Hecht Mar 2012

Child Physical Abuse And Neglect, Jody E. Warner-Rogers, David J. Hansen, Debra B. Hecht

David J. Hansen

Children ideally develop and learn about their world from the safe and stimulating environment of their home. Therefore, it is quite disturbing when violence occurs within the supposedly protective domains of the home and the parent-child relationship, although such acts have been committed throughout history (Zigler & Hall, 1989). Even though acts of child maltreatment have a long history, the concept that society should be responsible for the protection of children, including identification, reporting, and treatment of both the victims and perpetrators of maltreatment, is a relatively recent development. This chapter addresses the physical abuse and neglect of children by …


Domestic Violence Treatment Response And Recidivism: A Review And Implications For The Study Of Family Violence, Robert M. Sartin, David J. Hansen, Matthew T. Huss Mar 2012

Domestic Violence Treatment Response And Recidivism: A Review And Implications For The Study Of Family Violence, Robert M. Sartin, David J. Hansen, Matthew T. Huss

David J. Hansen

Although domestic violence is a significant societal problem, which continues to receive public and private sector attention, intervention and treatment programs have proven inconsistent in their success. This paper reviews the published literature on domestic violence treatment efficacy and post-treatment recidivism and explores the related factors. In addition, challenges in the assessment of domestic violence are briefly discussed. Finally, recent developments are discussed along with their potential benefits, and an appeal is made for the need to study domestic violence in the broader context of family violence.


New Directions In The Application Of Social-Skills Interventions With Adolescents: Introduction To The Special Section, Douglas W. Nangle, David J. Hansen Mar 2012

New Directions In The Application Of Social-Skills Interventions With Adolescents: Introduction To The Special Section, Douglas W. Nangle, David J. Hansen

David J. Hansen

The importance of competent social interactions for adolescent adjustment and successful functioning at home, school, work, and social settings has been well documented (cf. Hansen, Giacoletti, & Nangle, 1995; Kelly & Hansen, 1987; Peterson & Hamburg, 1986). Within a developmental context marked by transitions, establishing and maintaining competent social interactions can be particularly challenging for adolescents. Fundamental developmental changes, including the onset of puberty, the emergence of more advanced cognitive and verbal abilities, and the transition into new roles in society, significantly alter social interactions (Bierman & Montminy, 1993; Hansen et al., 1995). These interactions become increasingly complicated and adult-like, …


Understanding Mental Health Needs Of Southeast Asian Refugees: Historical, Cultural, And Contextual Challenges, Eugenia Hsu, Corrie Davies, David Hansen Mar 2012

Understanding Mental Health Needs Of Southeast Asian Refugees: Historical, Cultural, And Contextual Challenges, Eugenia Hsu, Corrie Davies, David Hansen

David J. Hansen

Research and clinical information pertaining to mental health needs of Asians residing in the United States is limited but growing. There is a tendency to group all persons of Asian descent together and, therefore, the empirical literature does not sufficiently address the mental health needs in specific subgroups. The focus of this article is to understand the mental health needs of one subgroup of Asians-Southeast Asian refugees (SEAR). The main purpose is to review the relevant literature pertaining to Southeast Asian refugees’ experiences and to understand the manifestation of psychiatric disorders by examining historical, cultural, and contextual challenges. Despite the …


Child Sexual Abuse, David J. Hansen, Kathryn R. Wilson Mar 2012

Child Sexual Abuse, David J. Hansen, Kathryn R. Wilson

David J. Hansen

Although definitions can vary across legal, clinical, and research contexts, sexual abuse is commonly defined as sexual acts between a youth and an older person (e.g., by 5 years or more) in which the dominance of the older person is used to exploit or coerce the youth. Behaviors may include noncontact (e.g., exposure) and contact (e.g., intercourse) offenses.


Adolescent Victims And Intergenerational Issues In Sexual Abuse, Debra B. Hecht, David J. Hansen Mar 2012

Adolescent Victims And Intergenerational Issues In Sexual Abuse, Debra B. Hecht, David J. Hansen

David J. Hansen

The transitional period of adolescence is characterized by a number of changes and challenges that occur both within and outside the individual. Many developmental events occur during adolescence that have a significant impact on an adolescent’s functioning, including a variety of physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social changes. In addition, adolescents may experience a variety of other important events, such as peer group changes, school moves, changes in family structure or functioning, and alterations in societal and community expectations (Hansen, Giacoletti, & Nangle, 1995; Peterson & Hamburg, 1986). Unfortunately, many adolescents are further challenged by being a victim of sexual …


The Influence Of Case And Professional Variables On The Identification And Reporting Of Child Maltreatment: A Study Of Licensed Psychologists And Certified Masters Social Workers, David J. Hansen, Kurt M. Bumby, Lori M. Lundquist, Reginald M. Chandler, Peter T. Le, Kristine T. Futa Mar 2012

The Influence Of Case And Professional Variables On The Identification And Reporting Of Child Maltreatment: A Study Of Licensed Psychologists And Certified Masters Social Workers, David J. Hansen, Kurt M. Bumby, Lori M. Lundquist, Reginald M. Chandler, Peter T. Le, Kristine T. Futa

David J. Hansen

All 50 states have laws requiring mental health and other professionals to report suspected maltreatment. Unfortunately, many professionals who are mandated to report suspicions of child maltreatment often fail to recognize potential maltreatment or fail to report their suspicions. The present study examines several factors that may influence identification and reporting of child maltreatment. Subjects were licensed psychologists in the Midwest and certified Masters social workers in Nebraska. Child maltreatment included neglect, physical abuse, psychological maltreatment, and sexual abuse. Characteristics associated with the family or “case” (race, socioeconomic status of family, age of victim, type of maltreatment) were manipulated and …


Long-Term Consequences Of Childhood Physical Abuse, Robin Malinosky-Rummell, David J. Hansen Mar 2012

Long-Term Consequences Of Childhood Physical Abuse, Robin Malinosky-Rummell, David J. Hansen

David J. Hansen

This article reviews the literature on the long-term consequences of childhood physical abuse. Empirical research is discussed within 7 topic areas: aggressive and violent behavior, nonviolent criminal behavior, substance abuse, self-injurious and suicidal behavior, emotional problems, interpersonal problems, and academic and vocational difficulties. The studies reviewed involve primarily adult populations, although pertinent findings from literature on children and adolescents are briefly summarized. Some variables that affect the relation between physical abuse and long-term consequences are examined. These moderator variables include maltreatment characteristics, individual factors, family factors, and environmental factors. The article ends with suggestions for future research on long-term consequences …


Introduction Of Motivation And Child Maltreatment: Volume 46 Of The Nebraska Symposium On Motivation, David Hansen Mar 2012

Introduction Of Motivation And Child Maltreatment: Volume 46 Of The Nebraska Symposium On Motivation, David Hansen

David J. Hansen

There are at least two great luxuries associated with being coordinator of the Nebraska Symposium on Motivation. One is choosing the topic or major theme of the prestigious and influential conference. The second is selecting the speakers. It is great to sit back and think about all of the leading scholars in the field and decide who you would like to hear speak and have contribute a chapter to the volume. This 46th Annual Nebraska Symposium on Motivation brought together a distinguished panel of scholars who explored issues related to motivation and child maltreatment.


Anger, Child Behavior, And Family Distress: Further Evaluation Of The Parental Anger Inventory, Georganna Sedlar, David J. Hansen Mar 2012

Anger, Child Behavior, And Family Distress: Further Evaluation Of The Parental Anger Inventory, Georganna Sedlar, David J. Hansen

David J. Hansen

Presumably, anger is a common experience of parenting. Although practitioners and researchers recognize the role of anger in various parenting situations, objective and standardized measures of parental anger have been notably lacking in the field. This study examined the Parental Anger Inventory (PAI), a measure developed specifically to assess parental anger in response to child misbehavior. A diverse sample of 98 parents participated in the study, including (a) physically abusive or neglectful parents, or both, n = 44; (b) nonmaltreating clinic parents seeking assistance for child behavior problems, n = 24; and (c) nonmaltreating, non–help-seeking community parents, n = 30. …


Enhancing The Effectiveness Of Social Skills Interventions With Adolescents, David J. Hansen, Douglas W. Nangle, Kathryn A. Meyer Mar 2012

Enhancing The Effectiveness Of Social Skills Interventions With Adolescents, David J. Hansen, Douglas W. Nangle, Kathryn A. Meyer

David J. Hansen

Competent social interactions are clearly necessary for adjustment and successful functioning in society. The many developmental events and changing social expectations that occur during adolescence can make it particularly challenging for youth to establish and maintain competent social interactions. Research on social skills training with adolescents began in the mid-tolate 1970’s and it has improved much over the years. The research has gradually moved beyond a focus on basic skill assessment and acquisition in clinical settings toward techniques designed to assess and promote generalization and maintenance of an effective interpersonal repertoire in real world settings and situations. This article discusses …


Interventions For Families Victimized By Child Sexual Abuse: Clinical Issues And Approaches For Child Advocacy Center-Based Services, Poonam Tavkar, David J. Hansen Mar 2012

Interventions For Families Victimized By Child Sexual Abuse: Clinical Issues And Approaches For Child Advocacy Center-Based Services, Poonam Tavkar, David J. Hansen

David J. Hansen

Child sexual abuse poses serious mental health risks, not only to child victims but also to non-offending family members. As the impact of child sexual abuse is heterogeneous, varied mental health interventions should be available in order to ensure that effective and individualized treatments are implemented. Treatment modalities for child victims and non-offending family members are identified and described. The benefits of providing on-site mental health services at Child Advocacy Centers to better triage and provide care are discussed through a description of an existing Child Advocacy Center-based treatment program. Recommendations for research and clinical practice are provided.


Relationship Of Personal, Familial, And Abuse-Specific Factors With Outcome Following Childhood Sexual Abuse, C. Yancey, David Hansen Mar 2012

Relationship Of Personal, Familial, And Abuse-Specific Factors With Outcome Following Childhood Sexual Abuse, C. Yancey, David Hansen

David J. Hansen

An examination of the literature on factors related to outcome following child sexual abuse (CSA) revealed many factors that may contribute to symptoms displayed by victims. Factors are divided into three categories: Personal Factors, Familial Factors, and Abuse- Specific Factors. Personal factors are those inherent to the victim, including age, gender, developmental disability, attributions regarding the abuse, and treatment following abuse. Familial factors are defined as those factors associated with other family members. These include parental history of abuse, parental reaction to the disclosure, parental support of the victim, parental mental health, family stress, and treatment following abuse for the …


Relations Between Social Skills And High-Risk Sexual Interactions Among Adolescents, Douglas W. Nangle, David J. Hansen Mar 2012

Relations Between Social Skills And High-Risk Sexual Interactions Among Adolescents, Douglas W. Nangle, David J. Hansen

David J. Hansen

Researchers have begun to employ social-skills training in efforts to change the sexual behavior of adolescents. However, despite the promise of social-skills training, little is known about how social skills are related to the sexual practices of adolescents. The present article reviews the current literature and proposes a conceptual framework for understanding the relations between social skills and sexual behavior of adolescents by (a)examining the relationship between sexual activity and social skills, (b) examining the development of sexual-interaction skills and deficits, (c) summarizing what is currently known about the relations between social skills and sexual behavior, (d) discussing current issues …


The Environment Of Child Maltreatment: Contextual Factors And The Development Of Psychopathology, Debra B. Hecht, David J. Hansen Mar 2012

The Environment Of Child Maltreatment: Contextual Factors And The Development Of Psychopathology, Debra B. Hecht, David J. Hansen

David J. Hansen

Some professionals have hypothesized that the observed problems in children who have been maltreated may actually be a result of the combination of risk factors surrounding the child, including but not limited to direct results of the abuse itself. This article examines the complexity of hypothesized pathways to poor adjustment after physical and sexual abuse. The literature on the impact of major risk factors associated with maltreatment is reviewed in an attempt to clarify the potential contributions of these contextual variables on the development of psychopathology in physically and sexually abused children. The implications this analysis may yield for prevention, …


Weekly Problems Scales: Instruments For Sexually Abused Youth And Their Nonoffending Parents In Treatment, Genelle K. Sawyer, Eugenia Hsu Tsao, David J. Hansen, Mary Fran Flood Mar 2012

Weekly Problems Scales: Instruments For Sexually Abused Youth And Their Nonoffending Parents In Treatment, Genelle K. Sawyer, Eugenia Hsu Tsao, David J. Hansen, Mary Fran Flood

David J. Hansen

This study’s purpose was to determine if efficient measures could be created to assess multiple problematic behaviors identified in youth who were sexually abused and in treatment. Because of the lack of easily administered brief instruments that assess multiple domains of interest in this population, complementary parent and child assessment measures were developed. The Weekly Problems Scale–Child Version (WPSC) and the Weekly Problems Scale–Parent Version (WPS-P) were created to monitor the weekly progress of the child and family in treatment and focus specifically on common areas of difficulties in this population. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to assist in identifying …


The Identification And Reporting Of Physical Abuse By Physicians: A Review And Implications For Research, Jody E. Warner, David J. Hansen Mar 2012

The Identification And Reporting Of Physical Abuse By Physicians: A Review And Implications For Research, Jody E. Warner, David J. Hansen

David J. Hansen

Identification and reporting of possible cases of child physical abuse are critical precursors to intervention with maltreating families. Professionals from a variety of disciplines are mandated to report suspected cases of child maltreatment. Unfortunately, not all physically abused children are identified or reported. This paper reviews the literature that has examined factors that may influence the identification and reporting of physical abuse by physicians. The literature review is preceded by an overview of the multistep, multibehavior process of identification and reporting. The factors that may influence identification and reporting are discussed according to their association with the case, physician, or …


Understanding Child Sexual Behavior Problems: A Developmental Psychopathology Framework, Natasha Elkovitch, Robert D. Latzman, David J. Hansen, Mary Fran Flood Mar 2012

Understanding Child Sexual Behavior Problems: A Developmental Psychopathology Framework, Natasha Elkovitch, Robert D. Latzman, David J. Hansen, Mary Fran Flood

David J. Hansen

entific community. While a heterogeneous group, children with sexual behavior problems consistently demonstrate a number of problems related to adjustment and overall development. In order to appropriately intervene with these children, a comprehensive understanding of etiology is imperative. The overarching goal of the present paper is to review the extant research on mechanisms associated with the development of problematic sexual behavior in childhood within a developmental psychopathology framework. What is known about normative and nonnormative sexual behavior in childhood is reviewed, highlighting definitional challenges and age-related developmental differences. Further, the relationship between child sexual abuse and child sexual behavior problems …


Influence Of Information Related To Child Physical Abuse On Professional Ratings Of Adjustment And Prognosis, Virginia M. Deroma, David J. Hansen, Amy C. Tishelman, Peter D'Amico Mar 2012

Influence Of Information Related To Child Physical Abuse On Professional Ratings Of Adjustment And Prognosis, Virginia M. Deroma, David J. Hansen, Amy C. Tishelman, Peter D'Amico

David J. Hansen

The study investigates the influence of access to information of a history of physical maltreatment on the evaluative responding of social service and clinical psychology professionals. Written vignettes were used in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design to manipulate the: (a) presence/absence of abuse history; (b) presence/absence of behavior problems; and (c) gender of the child. Professionals rated children presented in 12 case vignettes along five treatment-related dimensions: (a) overall adjustment; (b) predicted 6 month temporal stability of behavior; (c) likelihood of treatment referral; (d) expected home intervention success; and (e) expected school intervention success. Four dimensions related …


Motivation To Self-Harm In Middle Childhood: Relationship To Emotional Symptomotology And Home Environment, Tara K. Cossel, Natasha Elkovitch, David J. Hansen Mar 2012

Motivation To Self-Harm In Middle Childhood: Relationship To Emotional Symptomotology And Home Environment, Tara K. Cossel, Natasha Elkovitch, David J. Hansen

David J. Hansen

Self-harm in childhood is an important, though neglected area of empirical research. Research has, however, investigated the emotional and environmental factors associated with self-harm in adolescent and adult populations. This research provides a foundation from which to investigate desire to self-harm in child populations. With regard to emotional factors, self-injurers report having a negative affect they wish to avoid (Polk & Liss, 2007). Further, distraction from emotional pain has been identified as the most prevalent motivation for self-harm across genders (Swannell, Martin, Scott, Gibbons, & Gifford, 2008). Briere and Gil (1998) found self-injury is used in an attempt to decrease …


Adult Survivors Of Childhood Abuse: An Analysis Of Coping Mechanisms Used For Stressful Childhood Memories And Current Stressors, Kristine T. Futa, Cindy L. Nash, David J. Hansen, Calvin P. Garbin Mar 2012

Adult Survivors Of Childhood Abuse: An Analysis Of Coping Mechanisms Used For Stressful Childhood Memories And Current Stressors, Kristine T. Futa, Cindy L. Nash, David J. Hansen, Calvin P. Garbin

David J. Hansen

Coping mechanisms used to deal with stressful childhood memories and current stressors were assessed for 196 women in each of 4 groups: no abuse history, sexual abuse history, physical abuse history, and both sexual and physical abuse history. Current psychological adjustment was also examined. Discriminant function analyses revealed a variety of significant differences between the groups in use of strategies for coping with memories of abuse or another childhood stressor. There was no relationship between childhood history of abuse and the manner in which women coped with a current stressor. Women with an abuse history reported significantly poorer adult adjustment …


Heterogeneity Of Individuals With A History Of Child Sexual Abuse: An Examination Of Children Presenting To Treatment, C. Thresa Yancey, David J. Hansen, Karen Z. Naufel Mar 2012

Heterogeneity Of Individuals With A History Of Child Sexual Abuse: An Examination Of Children Presenting To Treatment, C. Thresa Yancey, David J. Hansen, Karen Z. Naufel

David J. Hansen

The current study examined children and families who presented for treatment through Project SAFE (Sexual Abuse Family Education) following childhood sexual abuse. Pretreatment assessment data were used to develop clusters of participants with significantly differing presentation of symptom outcome following abuse. Four clusters were discovered: (a) a Highly Distressed group, whose members had clinically elevated scores on all self- and parent-report measures; (b) a Problem Behaviors group, whose members had scores within the normal range for self-report measures and elevated scores on all parent-report measures; (c) a Subclinical group, whose participants had scores below the mean and below cutoff scores …


The “Sexually Abused Child”: Potential Mechanisms Of Adverse Influences Of Such A Label, Gabriel Holguin, David Hansen Mar 2012

The “Sexually Abused Child”: Potential Mechanisms Of Adverse Influences Of Such A Label, Gabriel Holguin, David Hansen

David J. Hansen

Labeling and the effects of labeling have been extensively researched in the psychological literature in a variety of different contexts. For example, labeling has been empirically shown to lead to lowered expectancies of behavior and achievement, which can then contribute to the potential for the occurrence of a self-fulfilling prophecy with adverse consequences. Another area that has been extensively researched, with a dramatic increase in the literature base in recent history, is that of child sexual abuse (CSA). Despite various shortcomings of the research literature, the consistent findings have been identification of a variety of negative correlates and symptomatologies associated …


Intimacy Deficits, Fear Of Intimacy, And Loneliness Among Sexual Offenders, Kurt M. Bumby, David J. Hansen Mar 2012

Intimacy Deficits, Fear Of Intimacy, And Loneliness Among Sexual Offenders, Kurt M. Bumby, David J. Hansen

David J. Hansen

Intimacy deficits and loneliness recently have been theorized as influential factors in the etiology and maintenance of sexually offending behaviors, although to date there has been a lack of empirical research conducted to address this proposition. The present study examined intimacy defi cits, fear of intimacy, and loneliness among intrafamilial child molesters, rapists, nonsexually offending inmates, and a community sample of adult males. The child molesters and rapists reported greater overall intimacy deficits than did the nonsexually offending inmates and community controls, with rapists reporting the greatest intimacy deficits. Fear of intimacy was found to be a particularly salient characteristic …