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In Their Voices: Perceptions of Individuals Who Perpetrated Child Sexual Abuse About the INSIGHT Program
Marta Sousa1, Sílvia Félix2, Rui Abrunhosa Gonçalves2
1Hei-Lab, Lusófona University, Porto, Portugal.
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse
|December 16, 2025
Summary
This study explored men convicted of child sexual abuse (CSA) and their experiences with the INSIGHT schema therapy program. Participants reported positive outcomes, suggesting schema therapy is beneficial for CSA perpetrators.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Therapeutic Interventions
Background:
- Psychological interventions for child sexual abuse (CSA) perpetrators require refinement.
- Qualitative approaches offer valuable insights into therapeutic processes and individual experiences.
- Schema therapy presents a promising framework for treating individuals who have perpetrated CSA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the perceptions of men convicted of CSA regarding a newly developed schema therapy program (INSIGHT).
- To identify potential improvements for psychological interventions targeting CSA perpetrators.
- To understand the role of early maladaptive schemas in the therapeutic process.
Main Methods:
- Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine men convicted of CSA.
- Participants had completed the INSIGHT program, a manualized schema therapy intervention.
- Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyze interview data.
Main Results:
- Three themes emerged: pre-intervention expectations, perceptions of change, and program impact.
- Participants generally viewed the INSIGHT Program positively, reporting favorable outcomes.
- The importance of targeting early maladaptive schemas was emphasized.
Conclusions:
- The INSIGHT program, utilizing schema therapy, shows potential for improving psychological interventions for CSA perpetrators.
- Further research and refinement of interventions targeting early maladaptive schemas are recommended.
- Qualitative insights are crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of treatment for individuals who have perpetrated CSA.
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