Juveniles who have committed sexual offenses: a special group?

Juveniles who have committed sexual offenses (JSOs) are subject to specialized interventions and public policies based on the assumption that they constitute a unique group distinct from other delinquents. Previous research has demonstrated considerable similarities between these groups, though some consistent differences have been found and some theory-relevant constructs have been inadequately studied. The current study compares 119 delinquents and 108 JSOs on a number of theory-relevant constructs. Consistent with theories positing a unique etiology for sexual offending, JSOs reported higher rates of sexual abuse and anxiety as well as fewer consensual sexual partners, less delinquent activity, and lower callous-unemotional traits; however, there were no differences detected in the majority of characteristics examined (e.g., attachment, sensation-seeking). Physical and emotional abuse did not predict sex offending after controlling for sexual abuse, but lower callous-unemotional traits did predict sex offending after controlling for total delinquent behavior. Additional research on constructs little studied in previous research (e.g., sexual history and development, attachment) is needed, but evidence to date suggests considerable overlap between these populations. Perhaps subgroups of JSOs are distinct from generally delinquent youth; however, a focus on offender characteristics or trajectories of behavior problems may prove more fruitful than categorizing youth based on a single behavior.