Poster #223 - Therapeutic Alliance in Post-Treatment Outcomes: Examining Recidivism in Men Convicted of Sexual Offenses Against Children

• In Event: ASC Poster Session I

Abstract

The impact of motivation for change, group therapy climate, and therapeutic alliance on treatment success in individuals who have committed sexual offenses (ICSOs) has produced mixed results in previous studies, often studied independently or limited to treatment progression. However, how these factors interact and influence post-treatment recidivism remains unclear. We examined this by following 140 men who had committed sexual offenses against children over 5 to 8 years. Using repeated measures ANOVA and structural equation modeling (SEM), we tested the effects on recidivism. Results from the ANOVA showed a decrease in cognitive distortions supporting child sexual offenses before and after treatment, linked to a stronger therapeutic alliance. SEM analysis revealed that the therapeutic alliance mediated the relationship between motivation, group climate, and the absence of post-treatment recidivism. These findings highlight the central role of the therapist in treatment effectiveness with ICSOs.

Authors

• Etienne Garant, Université de Montréal

• Alexandre Gauthier, Université de Montréal