The Impact of Prison Sexual Experiences on Pedohebephilic Offenders

• In Event: Sexual Offending and Victimization within Criminal Justice Contexts

Abstract

Most Sex Offender Treatment Programs (SOTPs) aim to restrain offenders’ sexual self-expression with little regard for each offender’s unique potential for sexual fluidity. The present study explores primary and secondary attractions among men incarcerated for non-sexual offenses compared to people convicted of sexual offenses against minors (PCSOM). It also explores the elasticity of sexual attraction among those whose dominant sexual attraction is to minors. A mixed methods approach was used to collect data from men who have served time for a sexual offense in the United States about their primary and secondary attraction, sexual elasticity, and exclusive sexual attraction to minors. The analyses revealed that most participants with primary attraction to underage females also admitted some attraction to adult females before their arrest. PCSOMs with primary attraction to pre-pubescent male children admitted secondary attraction to adult males or females at lower rates. Still, most of those with hebephilic and ephebophilic orientations held concurrent teleiophilic attractions. Moreover, through prison sex engagement or observation, many participants believe they have expanded their range of attractions and developed appropriate sexual engagement skills to use upon release. Future research should further explore sexual fluidity among this population for rehabilitation programs. Policy implications will be discussed.

Authors

• Shawn Rolfe, William A. Percy Foundation for Social and Historical Studies

• Thomas Hubbard, William A. Percy Foundation for Social and Historical Studies