Abstract
Introduction
One of the most consolidated classifications of adolescents adjudicated for sexual offending (ASO) is based on their antisocial behavior background. This allows identifying sex-only and sex-plus ASO. However, limited research related to this classification has been focused on relevant risk factors, such as sexual development, and none of them has been conducted in Spain.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 73 ASO. Data collection took place between 2013 and 2015. They were divided into sex-only (n = 33) and sex-plus (n = 40). Assessments included reviews of official files, interviews with professionals in charge, and interviews with the ASO. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted to compare intergroup differences.
Results
No significant differences between groups in family background, history of maltreatment, and sexual development variables were found. Sex-plus had a significantly higher prevalence of disruptive behavior at school, school absenteeism, substance consumption, and antisocial misconduct with peers. Significant differences between groups were also found in some sexual crime variables. Logistic regression analyses showed that antisocial behavior with peers and school absenteeism were related to sex-plus.
Conclusions
These findings highlight the importance of assessing sexual development and family background when intervening with ASO. Sexual development-related variables should be further examined to understand their involvement in sexually coercive behaviors.
Policy Implications
The identification of specific criminogenic needs for each offense pathway would benefit court decisions and more tailored interventions to reduce recidivism. These treatments should include family interventions.
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Availability of Data and Material
The data supporting this study are not available.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the Spanish Juvenile Justice System authorities that gave permission and made this research possible. We would also like to thank the staff of all services for their assistance during the duration of this study.
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Siria, S., Echeburúa, E. & Amor, P.J. Adolescents Adjudicated for Sexual Offending: A Comparison Between Sex-Only and Sex-Plus. Sex Res Soc Policy 18, 981–991 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-021-00604-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-021-00604-8