The One-Time Spinner and the Spin-Thrill Seeker in the Act of Child Molestation

• In Event: Sex Offender Narratives and Attitudes

Abstract

This study adopts a situational perspective to examine the narratives of 10 of 20 incarcerated sex offenders who during phenomenological interviews reported a sex offense against a child when entering in a "spin wheel process triggered by the victim’s action" (kiss, hug). Content analysis allowed to divide these offenders into two categories: the one-time spinner and the spin/thrill seeker -- differentiated by age of the victim, the situation and routine activities, the adult present, and their experience of spinning. The one-time spinner (friend of the family, victim less than 13 years) described one occurrence of spin that took control of him increasing in intensity until it reached its peak - child of molestation. The spin-thrill seeker (educator, victim 14-17 years) reported always seeking excitement usually in nonsexual spins. However, during one of their routine encounters, the victim’s initiation led him to look for excitement of sexual spin episodes increasing in intensity until he reached a peak - his sex offense. Out of the spin, both categories of spinners recognized the enormity of their action; BUT only the one-time spinner expressed empathy. Both categories reported the presence of responsible adults could have stopped the spin process but DID NOT do anything.

Authors

• Brenda Geiger, Western Galilee College

• Michael L. Fischer, Norfolk State University