Relationship factors in sex offender couples: a pilot study in an outpatient setting

Research indicates that sex offenders' relationships are often unstable and superficial. Sex offenders are portrayed as showing little empathy toward their partners and being incapable of sharing intimacy. This study aimed to explore sex offenders' intimate relationships and identify potential stabilizing factors in an outpatient setting. In an exploratory pilot study, the authors used standardized instruments to assess 17 heterosexual sex offenders and their intimate partners. Results indicate that both partners rate high in attachment anxiety. The authors found a high level of correlation between both partners with regard to attachment avoidance. The sex offender couples demonstrate similarly low scores for "dominance, pugnaciousness, and aggression" in intimate relationships, and the female partners revealed high neuroticism and conscientiousness scores.