Citation

Laws DR. J. Interpers. Violence 1999; 14(3): 285-302.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/088626099014003005

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article summarizes the development of the relapse prevention (RP) treatment model through the past 20 years. The author describes the original model applied to addictive behavior as conceived by Marlatt and his associates. It proved necessary to make alterations to the classical model to make it applicable to sexual offenders. It is argued that the use of the RP model should be confined to disorders of impulse control. Present and future developments in RP include recognition of the concept of harm reduction, use of stepped care, emphasis on motivational interviewing, the revised cognitive-behavior chain, and recognition of cognitive deconstructionism. The greatest weakness of the RP model is that it has escaped empirical evaluation. Future prospects for the model are discussed, and it is recommended that a revised RP be the model for sexual offender treatment for the foreseeable future.

Language: en