Sex Offending: Causal Theories to Inform Research, Prevention, and Treatment

Why do some men commit sex offenses? While the question might seem straightforward, the answer is anything but. In this book, the authors review and critique existing theories and the supporting literature on why adolescent and adult males commit such acts as child molestation, voyeurism, indecent exposure, rape, and other violent offenses against adults and children. Chapters explore a range of theories of etiology, including biological, cognitive, behavioral, social learning, personality/psychodynamic, and evolutionary theories, as well as theories that incorporate two or more of these viewpoints. The authors then present their original integrative theory of sex offending, and the ways it could influence prevention and treatment. This book acknowledges that women can and do perpetrate sex offenses but focuses exclusively on developing a theory for male sex offenders. Scientists across psychology sub-disciplines and mental health professionals treating sex offenders will benefit from this book, as will law professionals working with this population. Public health officials and other policymakers charged with prevention and community awareness about sex offending will also find much food for thought in this book.