[Psychological predictors of recidivism in sex offenders]

Based on comparison of results of psychological examinations of 24 recidivists and 25 patients having compulsive sexuological treatment, who within a three-year period after taking a specialized sexuological course did not relapse, the author detected some differences which appear to be significant for the prediction of successful treatment. As to psychodiagnostic methods (Hand test, Raven, EPI, DOPEN, MAS, Sullivan-Adelson, ICL, MMPI), the most marked differences between the investigated groups were found in Raven's test of progressive matrices and in the Minnesota personality inventory. Based on the assembled results it may be assumed that there is a higher risk of relapses of sexual delinquency in patients with inadequate defence against mental weakness, in psychoasthenic and schizoid personalities. Higher intelligence is in this context a favourable prognostic factor.