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rape

Personality and Neuropsychological Correlates of Male and Female Sexual Offenders

Personality and Neuropsychological Correlates of Male and Female Sexual Offenders

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John W. DenBoer, MA, PhD1, Frederick L. Coolidge, PhD2, Daniel L. Segal, PhD3, & Sean Ahlmeyer, MA4,
1,2,3Department of Psychology, The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (Colorado Springs, CO, USA).
4Colorado State Department of Corrections (Colorado Springs, CO, USA).

Abstract
The present study examined the personality and neuropsychological correlates of convicted male and female sex offenders. The investigators measured DSM-IV-TR psychopathology and neuropsychological dysfunction among rapists and child molesters using the Coolidge Axis II Inventory, a valid and reliable assessment instrument. Male child molesters displayed significantly higher Apathy scores than age-matched male controls. Male non-sexual offenders scored significantly higher than male child molesters, rapists, and controls on Histrionic Personality Disorder, Impulsivity, and Disinhibition. Female child molesters reported significantly elevated levels of psycho and neuropathology when compared to female non-offenders. Specifically, female child molesters reported greater Language Problems and Executive Dysfunction, along with greater levels of Psychoticism and Paranoia, when compared to female controls. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Key Words: personality, neuropsychology, sexual offenders, executive dysfunction, child molestation, rape.