Use of physical force as an offense characteristic in subtyping juvenile sexual offenders

Juvenile sexual offenders were grouped based on whether they had ever used physical force or threats of force to commit an offense using self-reports on the Multiphasic Sex Inventory (MSI) and clinical records review. Subjects were 101 male offenders, 12 to 19 years, residing at a residential treatment facility. Cross-tabulation of self-report and records review were done to define three groups of offenders: rapists (i.e., those who used force), nonrapists, and deniers. These three groups were compared using the MSI and Jesness on other variables assessing offense patterns, sexual deviance, delinquent attitudes, perceived social competence, and offense-related cognitions. Rapists reported significantly more sexual assault fantasy/predatory behavior, greater preoccupation with children, and more paraphilias than did nonrapists and deniers. In comparison to deniers, rapists also reported more obsessive thinking about sex, and a greater willingness to participate in treatment. These findings are discussed with a focus on the apparent validity and usefulness of subtyping juvenile offenders based on whether or not they have used physical force or threats of force in committing a sexual offense.