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Phallometric testing with sexual offenders: limits to its value.
1Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Clinical Psychology Review
|November 1, 2000
Summary
Phallometric evaluations of sexual arousal in offenders have psychometric limitations. While showing some predictive value for recidivism, further research is needed for reliable clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Sexual Offender Treatment
Background:
- Phallometric testing is commonly used to assess sexual arousal in sexual offenders.
- These evaluations also function as research tools in forensic settings.
- Existing studies on phallometry suffer from methodological inconsistencies, hindering comparative analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the psychometric properties of phallometric assessments.
- To examine the reliability and criterion validity of phallometric testing.
- To explore the utility of phallometry in predicting sexual offender recidivism.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on phallometric evaluations.
- Analysis of psychometric data concerning reliability and validity.
- Examination of studies correlating phallometric results with recidivism rates.
Main Results:
- Significant psychometric limitations identified in current phallometric assessments.
- Inconsistent findings regarding the reliability and criterion validity of the method.
- Evidence suggests a limited but significant role in predicting offender recidivism.
Conclusions:
- Phallometric testing requires methodological refinement for robust clinical application.
- Further research is essential to improve the psychometric basis and predictive accuracy.
- Phallometry should be integrated into broader, comprehensive offender evaluations.