RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Scientific status of the concept of continuing emotional propensity for sexually aberrant acts
JF Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online
JO J Am Acad Psychiatry Law
FD American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
SP 59
OP 67
VO 25
IS 1
A1 Lanyon, RI
YR 1997
UL http://jaapl.org/content/25/1/59.abstract
AB Continuing emotional propensity for sexually aberrant acts and similar concepts have a central role in the prosecution of sex offenders. This article examines the theoretical and scientific viability of such concepts, focusing on child molestation. It is shown that neither theoretical nor scientific underpinnings exist, although there is broad clinical agreement on the existence in some offenders of "something more" than just a pattern of continuing behavior. Both the DSM-IV and addiction models of sex offending capture this viewpoint, and it is suggested that clinical/forensic assessment for the presence of a continuing emotional propensity rely on these sources until a scientific foundation can be laid.