Psychopathology and denial in alleged sex offenders

Article Abstract:

Sex offenders frequently deny having deviant sexual fantasies or performing deviant acts. In order to investigate the extent to which alleged sexual deviants minimize or deny pathological symptoms, 53 predominantly white (94 percent) male patients between 17 and 77 in a sexual behavior clinic were studied. Four of the patients had been accused of exhibitionism and 29 of child molestation. The remainder had allegedly been involved in child pornography, rape, or incest. Patients were divided into those who denied involvement in deviant sexual behavior (22 men) and those who admitted their behavior (30 men). All patients took the 566-item Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), which assesses psychopathology and tendencies toward lying or faking, defensiveness and denial. Patients who denied involvement in deviant sexual acts tended to significantly minimize the degree of their psychopathology more than those who admitted their behavior. It is notable that the deniers showed significantly less psychopathology than non-deniers on MMPI clinical subscales of depression, paranoia, anxiety, thought disorder and introversion, and significantly less conflict with authority and interest in deviant sex roles. A comparison of MMPI clinical scales between patients who were facing legal charges and those who were not demonstrated that legal standing did not influence tendencies toward denial or minimization. Overall results suggest that sexual deviants who deny the allegations against them are prone to deny and minimize other symptoms of psychopathology as well. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Sex offenders, Testing, Denial (Psychology)

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The widening intellectual scope of psychoanalysis

Article Abstract:

Neuroscientist and psychiatrist Erik R. Kandel pointed out the need to provide psychoanalysis with a sound scientific foundation. Since the emergence of this field in the 19th century, its theories have relied on imaginative explanations and experiments that purport to give them credence. With the advances gained in neurobiological sciences, a real scientific basis may soon be found. Human biological processes are linked with the psyche as evidenced by the immense changes in thoughts, feelings and neurochemistry accompanying periods of bereavement or separation.

Research, Methods, Science, Scientific method, Neuropsychiatry, Psychoanalysis, Neurochemistry, Biological psychiatry

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