Sexually deviant behavior and schizotypy: a theoretical perspective with supportive data

Abstract

Sexual offenses against adults and children continue to increase annually. Although theory and research have helped explain the personality functioning and motivation of sexual offenders, most treatment approaches have been found to have high recidivism rates and have failed to address the heterogeneity of sex offender populations. In the present paper, we utilize the growing literature on schizotypic personality organization to describe a subgroup of sex offenders. Data from the sex offender personality literature which indicates signs of thought disturbances among some sex offenders are reviewed in the context schizotypy. We conclude that treatment programs which address the heterogeneity of sex offenders and employ interventions to treat cognitive disturbances will likely result in greater efficacy.