Developmental Factors in Adolescent Child Sexual Offenders: A Comparison of Nonrepeat and Repeat Sexual Offenders

Abstract

Scholars have studied developmental factors relevant to adult sex offenders. These factors, however, have not been of interest so far in the area of adolescent sexual offenders. Given the paucity of research in this area, this study examines developmental factors that may be relevant in understanding why some offenders become persistent throughout the course of adolescence. The sample consisted of male adolescents convicted of a sexual offense against a child. Compared to nonrepeat sexual offenders (n = 80), repeat sexual offenders (n = 27) were characterized by a history of sexual abuse victimization and inappropriate sexual behaviors. However, offenders who had a history of sexual abuse but who did not exhibit inappropriate sexual behaviors were more likely to be classified as repeat sex offenders.