THE PROFILE AND TREATMENT OF MALE-ADOLESCENT SEX OFFENDERS

This article outlines the most prominent characteristics of male adolescent sex offenders including family and school histories, sexual attitudes, social skills and relationships, other delinquent behaviors, psychiatric diagnoses, and most importantly, cognitive distortions based on mythical beliefs and misinformation. Treatment mandates accountability and correcting of thinking errors while building a foundation of morality, remorse and empathy for victims, knowledge about sexuality, basic interpersonal skills, and effective self-interventions against relapse and reoffending.