Sexual and non-sexual offenders: a secondary data analysis.

Abstract

In this thesis, the researcher explored the differences between sex offenders and non-sex offenders. Data was gathered from a previous study of 295 convicted inmates, grouped into in-treatment sex offenders, never treated sex offenders, and non-sex offenders. The secondary data analysis attempted to ascertain whether there exists any difference between sex and non-sex offenders and arrest behavior (i.e. age at first arrest, number of arrests, and types of offenses). In addition, it attempted to determine whether there is any difference between offender type and certain demographic variables (i.e. family structure, history of abuse, and age at first sexual contact). The findings revealed a significant association between offender type and age at first arrest, number of arrests, and types of offenses. Also significant was the relationship between paternal history of abuse and age at first sexual contact and type of offender. No significant connection was found between type of offender and family structure, as well as between type of offender and both total and maternal history of abuse.