Citation

Pemberton AE, Wakeling HC. J. Sex. Aggress. 2009; 15(3): 289-303.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13552600903097212

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Previous research has indicated that sexual entitlement may be significant within the offending behaviour of sexual offenders, particularly for rapists, sexual murderers and incest offenders. The purpose of this study was to produce a descriptive analysis of sexual entitlement thinking in the build-up to sexual offending in rapists, sexual murderers, intrafamilial and extrafamilial child offenders. Both deductive and inductive content analyses were used to identify distinct categories within the written sexual entitlement thoughts of incarcerated offenders at the time of offending, using documentation produced during participation in a cognitive-behavioural treatment programme. Sexual entitlement thoughts were present for each type of offender examined and the analyses resulted in six categories of entitlement thoughts, two of which appear to be new categories not identified in previous research. Similarities and differences between offender types in their entitlement beliefs are also discussed. The present findings expand our understanding of sexual entitlement, and we hope they will aid professionals in both the assessment and treatment of sexual offenders.