Images

Ali Madrid, Psy.D., is a 2024 graduate of the PsyD Program in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, Santa Barbara

Committee:

  • Stephen Southern, EdD, Chairperson
  • Brett Kia-Keating, EdD, Committee Member
  • Betsy Bates Freed, PsyD, Committee Member

Keywords

qualitative research, pedophilia, pedophilic offenders, community treatment, offender perceptions

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

Pedophilia is a complex, multifaceted disorder that has existed, in some form, throughout all of human history. It was not until 1952, with the inception of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-1), that it was officially characterized as a psychiatric disorder. Treatment options have included surgeries, medications, cognitive behavior therapy, combined treatments (antiandrogenic drug and psychotherapy), and preventative programs. Pedophilic offenders released to the community must complete approved treatment. The community treatment may be manualized, evidence-based and likely to be effective. However, the offender must be willing and able to access the treatment resources. Participation in community treatment for pedophilia depends upon the motivations of the clients and their perceptions of the program. This qualitative research project, a bounded phenomenological case study, sought to improve access and delivery of community-based treatment by conducting semi-structured interviews of clients: What are the perceptions of selected pedophilic offenders regarding engagement in community treatment? Nine adult male participants, recent graduates in California, provided insights about their lived experiences. Case interviews were transcribed and subjected to an analysis of themes. Nine themes resulted from this process: (a) unstructured, (b) Global Positioning System (G.P.S.) monitoring, (c) unsatisfactory, (d) outsider, (e) relevance, (f) interns, (g) unfulfilled promises, (h) partners, and (i) superfluous. Awareness of the perceptions of offenders could improve the planning and operation of community treatment for pedophilia. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA, https://aura.antioch.edu/ and OhioLINK ETD Center, https://etd.ohiolink.edu

Comments

ORCID: 0009-0003-6270-8389

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS