Date of Conferral
2022
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Psychology
Advisor
Sharon Xuereb
Abstract
AbstractThe treatment of sex offenders is a controversial issue, yet research on the effectiveness of treatment interventions is limited. There is a great amount of research analyzing the connection between motivation and recidivism; however, what is known about the juvenile sex offender pales in comparison to what is known about adult sex offenders. Utilizing Deci and Ryan’s self-determination theory as the theoretical foundation, the purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the lived experiences of male juvenile sex offenders, to better understand how residential treatment impacted their motivation to lead an offense-free lifestyle. Obtaining this information from the first-person perspective was the intent of the study; however, data were subsequently collected from treatment providers. Data were collected from seven treatment providers based in Texas through a Zoom interview. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Data analysis revealed four major themes that impacted sex offender motivation to stop offending. Findings indicated that support received, treatment atmosphere, provision of alternative interventions, and perception of self are most impactful in supporting motivation to stop offending. The positive social change implications from this study include recommendations for sex offender treatment to implement treatment plans attuning to these themes. Implementation of these plans may reduce juvenile sex offender recidivism and provide additional guidance to treatment providers.
Recommended Citation
Smith, LeMeita, "Juvenile Sex Offender Motivation to Stop Offending While Engaged in Residential Treatment" (2022). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 12854.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/12854
