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An empirical study of the personality characteristics of internet sex offenders

Sheri Tomak, 1

Frederick S. Weschler, 2

Marjan Ghahramanlou-Holloway, 3

Thomas Virden 4

& Mahsaw Elicia Nademin

4 *

1 Arizona Department of Corrections, Florence, AZ;

2 Department of Clinical Psychology, Argosy

University, Phoenix, AZ; 3 Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services

University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD & 4 Department of Psychiatry, Midwestern

University, Glendale, AZ, USA

Abstract The present study evaluated the personality characteristics and psychopathology of

internet sex offenders (ISOs) using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, Second Edition

(MMPI-2) to determine whether ISO personality profiles are different to those of general sex offenders

(GSOs; e.g. child molesters and rapists). The ISOs consisted of 48 convicted males referred to a

private sex offender treatment facility for a psychosexual risk assessment. The GSOs consisted of

104 incarcerated non-internet or general sex offenders. Findings indicated that ISOs scored

significantly lower on the following scales: L, F, Pd and Sc. A comparison of the MMPI-2 scores

of the ISO and GSO groups indicated that ISOs are a heterogeneous group with considerable within-

group differences. Current findings are consistent with the existing literature on the limited utility of the

MMPI-2 in differentiating between subtypes of sex offenders.

Keywords Internet sex offenders; sex offence; personality; MMPI; psychopathology; cyber-

paedophile

Introduction

In recent years, researchers in the field of sexual aggression have attempted to develop

empirically derived typologies of sex offenders. However, classification of sex offenders into

distinct groups presents significant challenges for two primary reasons. First, sex offenders

appear to be a heterogeneous group with regard to personality characteristics, criminal

histories and life experiences (Bickley & Beech, 2001). Secondly, within-group differences

in current classifications add layers of complexity to the formation of a unified typology.

Over the years, numerous classification schemes have been developed but met with little

consistent success, due primarily to the great variability in theories explaining characteristics

of, and differences between, different types of sex offenders (Araji & Finkelhor, 1985;

Barnard, Fuller, Robbins & Shaw, 1989; Beech, 1998; Bickley & Beech, 2001; Blackburn,

*Corresponding author: E-mail: [email protected]

Journal of Sexual Aggression

(July 2009), Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 139�148

ISSN 1355-2600 print/1742-6545 online # 2009 National Organisation for the Treatment of Abusers

DOI: 10.1080/13552600902823063

1993; Conte, 1991; Danni & Hampe, 2000; Groth, 1979; Lanyon, 1991; Marshall, 1996,

1997; Ward & Keenan, 1999).

Studies of deviant practices and the internet are focused primarily upon computer hacking

and white-collar crimes, such as embezzlement, falsification of reports and deceptive billing

practices (Durkin & Bryant, 1995) and the empirical literature on paraphilic internet use is

limited. Available research on deviant sexual behaviour and the internet seems to suggest that

paraphilic appetites are being satisfied online through newsgroups, e-mail, websites, chat

rooms and interactive games in which people assume characters and ‘‘act out’’ their fantasies

(Bates & Metcalf, 2007; Kim & Bailey, 1997). Moreover, paedophiles appear to be utilizing the

internet to traffic child pornography, locate victims, communicate with children in a sexual

manner and converse with other paedophiles (Bates & Metcalf, 2007; Durkin, 1997).

Using the Internet to sexually offend is a national and global problem. Despite federal

prohibitions on the possession of pornography depicting children, the United States

Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated 1,500 cases of

internet child exploitation in 1999 (Hellwege, 2000). Globally, the Virtual Global Taskforce

(VGT), which is an organized effort among various law enforcement agencies from the

international community, has been active in attempts to protect children against online abuse.

Interpol, as a partner of VGT, is similarly an international collaboration to police sexual

crimes against children. While such policing and legal approaches to the problem of internet

sex offending are important, additional information is needed on the possible profiles and

clinical pathologies of individuals who use the Internet to sexually offend.

In light of the above, the assessment of the personality characteristics of internet sex

offenders (ISOs) is a significant step in public health approaches to the understanding and

prevention of sex offences. Accurate mapping of ISO personality characteristics may allow for

early identification and disruption of the offence chain through therapeutic intervention and

subsequent relapse prevention (Abel, Becker, Cunningham-Rathner, Mittleman & Rouleau,

1988; Barabaree & Seto, 1997; Knight & Prentky, 1990). Despite conflicting views about its

utility, the most frequently used measure for identifying sex offender typologies is the

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, 2nd edition (MMPI-2) (Beech, 1998). While

Lanyon (2001) indicated that the MMPI-2 was not developed for specific use with sex

offenders, a number of researchers (Carter, 1999; Langevin, Wright & Handy, 1990a, 1990b;

Marantz, 2005; Olander, 2004; Ridenour, Miller, Joy & Dean, 1997) have endorsed the

MMPI-2 as a reliable screening device for detecting sexual deviance and profiling sex

offenders.

A review of the literature revealed minimal research on the MMPI-2 profiles of internet

sex offenders (Cooper, Golden & Marshall, 2006; Mitchell, Finkelhor & Wolak, 2005). Thus,

this work relied exclusively on studies utilizing the MMPI-2 to investigate sex offender

personality patterns, in general. McCreary (1975) demonstrated that child molesters with no

history of arrests for sex offences demonstrated lower scores on the Pd, Hs, Hy and Sc scales

and a tendency to exhibit less intense personality deficits compared to those with a history of

such arrests. Rader (1977) examined the MMPI-2 profiles of 129 male sex offenders

convicted for crimes of rape, exposure and assault. Compared to the latter two groups, those

in the rape group were found to be more psychologically disturbed, exhibiting more bizarre

thinking, somatization, depression, aggression, suspiciousness and denial. The most

commonly observed MMPI-2 code type within the assault category was the 4-9/9-4. Those

in the exposing group were 4-8/8-4, and those in the rape group were 4-8/8-4 and 4-3/3-4.

Armentrout and Hauer (1978) similarly found a notably elevated 8-4 profile in rapists who

assaulted adults and lower elevations of a 4-8 profile in rapists of children.

140 S. Tomak et al.

Anderson and Kunce (1979) analyzed MMPI-2 profiles of 92 sex offenders convicted of

rape, child molestation and incest and found three distinct profiles independent of offence: an

F/8 type, a 4/9 type and a 2/4 code type. Quinsey, Arnold and Pruesse (1980) found a 4-8-2

code type among similar groups of hospitalized contact offence groups, including rape of

females aged 15 years or older and physical sexual contact with children aged 13 years or

younger. The current authors do not believe ISOs to have profiles consistent with those of the

aforementioned offenders, given that they have been found to have less difficulty with legal

problems, more stable employment histories and fewer adjustment problems (Bates &

Metcalf, 2007).

Based upon an examination of 122 MMPI-2 profiles of child molesters, Heersink and

Strassberg (1995) identified three specific profile types, while Duthie and McIvor (1990)

identified eight distinct cluster variations from analysis of 90 child molester profiles. In

comparing MMPI-2 profiles of sex offenders with adult or child victims, Levin and Stava

(1987) found that offenders victimizing children had elevations on the D, Pa, Sc and Si scales,

whereas the offenders with adult victims did not. In a more recent study, Watkins (2000)

utilized the MMPI-2 to differentiate the personality differences among sex offenders and

noted a 2-4 code type among child molesters, whereas sex offenders who victimized adults

had a single elevation on scale 4. Watkins reported further that sex offenders of child victims

had lower scores on the hypomania scale and higher scores on the social introversion scale.

In contrast to the literature highlighting common code types among sex offenders, a

number of researchers have found significant heterogeneity among various sexual offender

populations. Hall and colleagues (1986, 1989, 1991, 1992), for example, found such

variability and consequently have suggested that the MMPI-2 has limited utility in

discriminating among groups of sexual offenders. Other researchers’ findings have similarly

corroborated the variability among MMPI-2 profiles of sex offenders (Kalichman, 1990,

1991; Shealy, Kalichman, Henderson, Szymanowski & McKee, 1991; Yanagida & Ching,

1993). The aforementioned variability has been seen similarly in incarcerated and hospitalized

populations; the only commonality noted across populations appears to be a scale elevation of

4 on the MMPI-2 (Bickley & Beech, 2001; Erickson, Luxenberg, Walbek & Seely, 1987;

Freeman, Dexter-Mazza & Hoffman, 2005; Mann, Stenning & Borman, 1992; Quinsey et al.,

1980; Rader, 1977). More recently, in a multivariate cluster analysis of 72 sex offenders,

Siegel (2002) identified five different subgroups, two of which demonstrated severe pathology.

The remaining three groups displayed normal profiles with antisocial features.

The reported variability in code types supports the notion that there is no single typology

for sex offenders in general. The use of the MMPI-2 to establish the personality characteristics

and levels of deviance of sex offenders has generated varied opinions as to its clinical utility.

Limited research supporting the distinction between ISOs and contact offenders (COs) may

suggest the possibility that the two are not mutually exclusive groups, a finding that would limit

further the clinical utility of personality measures with these groups. In light of the limited

research on the psychopathological and personality characteristics of internet sex offenders,

further research is warranted. The present authors propose that an examination of internet sex

offenders may provide useful information not yet explored fully by the research community.

The creation of the internet seems to have resulted in an increased level of heterogeneity

among sex offenders and has created a new type of sex criminal who targets and victimizes

children, the internet sex offender. Accurate assessment of the personality characteristics of

internet sex offenders would inform the development of prevention strategies allowing for

enhanced identification, conviction and treatment of internet sex offenders. Kalichman,

Szymanowski, McKee, Taylor and Craig (1989) reported that sex offenders demonstrate

significant differences in personality features within subgroups in addition to dissimilarities

MMPI profiles of internet sex offenders 141

with the general criminal population. Consequently, it is essential to determine where the

personality structure of the internet sex offender is in line with the existing pool of sexual

predators. The purpose of this study was to examine the personality characteristics of internet

sex offenders using the MMPI-2 to gauge personality profiles and levels of psychopathology. It

was hypothesized that internet sexual offender personality profiles would be different to those

of contact offenders (e.g. child molesters and rapists).

Method

Procedure

Demographic information and MMPI-2 data were collected during a record review at a

private sex offender treatment facility located in the Southwest United States. The MMPI-2

scores of the present sample (n�48) were compared to the MMPI-2 scores of a control group (n�104) using a univariate analysis of variance.

The sample of interest consisted of 48 male sex offenders, who were convicted of an

internet crime and referred to an outpatient sex offender treatment programme for a

psychosexual risk assessment. These participants were not incarcerated for their offences nor

accused of a contact offence. This group ranged in age from 21 to 66 years, with a mean age of

40.67 [standard deviation (s.d.)�11.37]. The group was made up of 92% (n�44) Caucasian, 6% (n�3) Hispanic and 2% (n�1) Native American participants. Nearly 37% (n�18) of those in the group were married, 42% (n�20) were divorced, 2% (n�1) were separated and 19% (n�9) were never married. A significant majority of the sample was employed (79%), with almost a third (n�17) in unskilled, general labour or minimum wage work. The educational level of the sample was as follows: 6% (n�3) had attended or completed graduate school; 35% (n�17) had attended but not completed college; 33% (n�16) had completed college; 19% (n�9) had a high school diploma or GED; and 6% (n�3) had some high school.

The offences of the 48 sampled sex offenders included: (a) receiving or distributing child

pornography (n�31); (b) engaging in conversations with minors in chat rooms (n�1); (c) organizing meetings with minors (n�5); (d) receiving or distributing child pornography and engaging in conversations with minors in chat rooms (n�6); and (e) receiving or distributing child pornography and organizing meetings with minors (n�5).

The control group consisted of 104 incarcerated non-internet or general sex offenders

(GSO) reported by Summerhill (2003). The mean age of this comparison group was 45.96

(s.d.�12.16) years, with an average level of education of 11.63 (s.d.�2.72) years. The group was made up of 66% (n�69) Caucasian, 13% (n�13) African American, 16% (n�17) Hispanic and 5% (n�5) Native American. Only 7% (n�7) were married, nearly 46% (n�48) were divorced, 5% (n�5) were widowed and 42% (n�44) were never married. The offences of the control group were categorized as either rape (n�25), paedophilia (n� 72) or both rape and paedophilia (n�7).

Measures

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, 2nd edition (MMPI-2). The MMPI-2 is a 567-item

true/false scale designed to assess personality characteristics and degree of emotional

disturbance. It is organized into four validity scales: (1) the cannot say (?) scale; (2) the L

or ‘‘lie’’ scale; (3) the F-scale; and (4) the K-scale along with 10 clinical scales: scale

1: hypochondriasis; scale 2: depression; scale 3: hysteria; scale 4: psychopathic deviate; scale

142 S. Tomak et al.

5: masculinity�femininity; scale 6: paranoia; scale 7: psychasthenia; scale 8: schizophrenia; scale 9: hypomania; scale 0: social introversion. It is the most widely used questionnaire for

assessing psychopathology.

Results

Demographic comparisons

Chi-square analyses were conducted to determine the differences between the GSO and ISO

groups with regard to ethnicity and marital status. The results of these analyses indicated that

the ISOs were more likely to be Caucasian (x2(1)�4.27, p�0.039), while GSOs were more likely to be Hispanic (x2(1)�4.54, p�0.033) or African American (x

2 (1)�13.00,

p�0.003). Further, ISOs were more likely to be married (x2(1)�20.455, pB0.001) while GSOs were more likely to have never been married (x2(1)�8.672, p�0.003) or to have been widowed (x2(1)�5, p�0.02). No differences were noted in age between the two sampled groups (t(47)��0.465, p]0.05). As the GSO group was incarcerated at the time of assessment, no comparisons with ISO subjects could be made with regard to employment

status. Regarding education, 74% of the ISO group had at least attempted college, whereas

GSO subjects, on average, came close to completing high school (11.63 years). Conclusions

regarding the impact of education level must be made with considerable caution, because

inferential comparisons between groups regarding education level cannot be made.

Comparison of MMPI-2 S-scores

Results indicated that means of the ten MMPI-2 clinical scales generally fell below the clinical

range. Table I provides a summary of the means and standard deviations for each of the

validity scales and the 10 clinical scales for the ISOs. There was no indication of a commonly

occurring code type with a frequency greater than 3. Recurrent code types included: 3/1

(n�3), 4/3 (n�3), 4/6 (n�2), 1/2 (n�2) and 0/2 (n�2).

Table I. Comparison of the internet sex offender (ISO) and the general sex offender (GSO) means on the Minnesota

Multiphasic Personality Inventory, 2nd edition (MMPI-2) validity and clinical scales

Scale

Mean ISO

(n�48) SD ISO

(n�48) Mean GSO

(n�104) SD GSO

(n�104)

L* 54.00 11.81 60.63 13.05

F* 50.71 11.08 61.68 20.16

K 54.65 10.88 53.71 13.65

1 HS: hypochondriasis 55.71 12.38 59.99 13.81

2 D: depression 57.00 13.93 55.99 11.56

3 HY: hysteria 57.27 13.64 56.32 13.05

4 PD: psychopathic deviate* 57.23 13.14 66.52 11.88

5 MF: masculinity�femininity 50.31 8.31 48.96 8.71 6 PA: paranoia 58.50 12.49 59.95 13.73

7 PT: psychasthenia 55.44 13.61 56.83 11.91

8 SC: schizophrenia* 55.83 13.17 63.08 15.37

9 MA: hypomania 50.83 9.88 52.53 9.66

10 SI: social introversion 49.40 13.26 52.31 12.21

*Significant differences at pB0.05.

MMPI profiles of internet sex offenders 143

Analyses of variance (ANOVAs) comparing the MMPI-2 scores of the ISO and GSO

groups indicated that individuals in the ISO group scored significantly lower on the validity

scales of L (F(1,121)�8.115, p50.005, h 2�0.063), F (F(1,121)�11.891, p50.001,

h2�0.089) and the clinical scales of Pd (psychopathic deviate) (F(1,121)�16.477, p5 0.000, h2�0.120) and Sc (schizophrenia) (F(1,121)�7.256, p50.008, h

2�0.057) relative to individuals in the GSO group. A comparison of the MMPI-2 validity and clinical scales for the

ISO and GSO groups can be found in both Table I and Figure 1.

Discussion

The findings of this study indicate that internet sex offenders are a heterogeneous group with

considerable within-group differences. This heterogeneity was evidenced by comparisons of

clinical elevations in the present sample with those reported by Summerhill (2003). The

finding that only three of the 48 subjects sampled shared a code type demonstrates further

the heterogeneity of this population and aligns with existing literature on the limited utility of

the MMPI-2 in differentiating between sex offenders. This heterogeneity of code types is

consistent with the general lack of a specific MMPI-2 elevation among internet offenders.

This suggests that despite behavioural differences, ISOs and GSOs appear to have a common

goal with respect to sexual gratification and are further similar by virtue of being heterogenous

in terms of their personality characteristics. That is, there is no personality profile common to

those individuals in the present ISO sample, nor does there appear to be a common profile for

GSOs. However, results reflecting significantly lower scores on the L, F, Pd and Sc scales on

the MMPI appear to suggest that some differences may exist between the two groups. As an

aside, it is interesting to note that a variety of internet offender MMPI-2 code types were

Internet Offender/GSO MMPI Mean Comparison

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

75

80

L F K HS D HY PD MF PA PT SC MA SI

Clinical Scales

T -s

co re

s

Internet Offenders GSO

FIGURE 1. Comparison of the internet sex offender (ISO) and the general sex offender (GSO) means on the Minnesota

Multiphasic Personality Inventory, 2nd edition (MMPI-2) validity and clinical scales. Significant differences noted on scales

L, F, Pd and Sc at p B 0.05.

144 S. Tomak et al.

found in the present ISO sample, including 4/3 (n�3), 3/1 (n�3), 4/6 (n�2), 0/2 (n�2) and 1/2 (n�2), which appear to correspond to profiles associated more commonly with child molesters. According to Erickson et al. (1987) and Watkins (2000), child molesters

have been known to produce a 4-2/2-4 profile. Erickson et al. (1987) also reported that the 4-

3/3-4 profile is common among incestuous biological fathers. Duthie and McIvor (1990)

indicated that 8% of their sample of child molesters had elevations on scales 3 and 4 that fell

within the subclinical range of 60 and 65. In contrast to these researchers, Rader (1977)

stated that a 4-3/3-4 profile was prevalent among the rapists in their sample. Kalichman

(1991) reported that paedophiles tend to display elevations on the Hs and Hy scales of the

‘‘neurotic triad’’ and the Pa, Pt and Sc scales of the ‘‘psychotic triad’’.

The present findings regarding MMPI-2 profiles of internet sex offenders suggest that

ISOs share similar within-group heterogeneity, as do other sexual offending groups described

in past research (e.g. child molesters and rapists) (Duthie & McIvor, 1990; Hall, Graham &

Shepherd, 1991; Hall, Shepherd & Mudrak, 1992; Heersink & Strassberg, 1995; Kalichman

et al., 1989; Mann et al., 1992; McCreary, 1975; Shealy et al., 1991; Yanagida & Ching

1993). In effect, individuals arrested for internet sexual offences appear to be different from

other offenders who have been incarcerated for a contact sexual offence, in that they appear

less deviant, less physically aggressive and less impulsive. Other researchers (i.e. Sheldon and

Howitt, 2008) have added another point of evidence suggesting that there may be a

discernible difference between internet and contact sex offenders, in that ISOs have been

found to have more sexual fantasy pertinent to their offending but fewer confrontational

fantasies than do contact offenders.

Given the limitations of the present study, the results should be interpreted with caution.

One limitation of the present research is that there is a paucity of existing comparison research

to strengthen the findings and implications of the data. Moreover, the use of a small, non-

random sample and the inequality between the ISO and GSO groups may promote bias and

limit the generalizability of the results. For example, 31 of the 48 individuals in the ISO group

had downloaded and/or distributed images of child pornography, while the remainder had

been in communication with a child. This supports the heterogeneity within the group and

may reflect different offences and/or classes of offenders. Moreover, regarding the noted

inequality in groups, the present authors believe that the differences in ethnicity and marital

status between the ISO and GSO groups are probably artefacts of the demographic variable of

the group itself. Given educational and economic status, it stands to reason that an offender

group that relies on costly technology (i.e. computers with internet) would include a

demographic known for its higher socioeconomic status (SES) and educational background.

It also stands to reason that a sex offender group that is more easily concealed (Bates &

Metcalf, 2007) is more likely to attract and maintain spousal relationships.

Another explanation for the variability between the groups may be accounted for by

varying levels of deviancy of sexual fantasy. For example, Curnoe and Langevin (2002)

completed multivariate analyses of sex offenders based on the existence of deviant sexual

fantasies and MMPI-2 validity and clinical scales. They noted that offenders with sexually

deviant fantasies had elevated scores on the F, Pd, Mf, Pa and Sc scales compared to the non-

deviant fantasizers, thus postulating that deviant fantasizers were likely to be more

emotionally unstable and socially alienated. Moreover, the MMPI-2 has shown promise in

distinguishing between sex offenders that admit to and those who deny their crimes, as

evidenced by elevations on the psychopathic deviate and schizophrenia scales (Marshall &

Hall, 1995).

Another variable that may have contributed to bias in the MMPI-2 data is that the

internet offenders may have been attempting to present themselves in a favourable light

MMPI profiles of internet sex offenders 145

during completion of the psychosexual risk assessment. The fact that the ISO group and GSO

group (consisting of only incarcerated offenders) differed in settings (i.e. contact offense

versus offense conducted through cyberspace) may account for the variance in the results.

Additionally, the fact that ISOs did not endorse problems with intimacy or dealing with

negative emotions, distortions in sexual scripts and antisocial cognitions on their MMPI-2

profiles suggests that they may be more similar to individuals in the general populations than

speculated originally. The absence of the aforementioned psychological problems ascribed

commonly to sexual offenders similarly adds to the challenge of differentiating this subgroup

from the general population. While adding an additional control group made up of random

sex offenders referred to the same private treatment facility for a psychosexual risk assessment

would have been ideal, this stated methodology was not feasible at the time of this study.

Nevertheless, the current authors believe that utilization of the MMPI-2 supplemental scales

and Harris�Lingoes subscales as additional variables may have proved beneficial in providing a more concentrated test of the hypothesis.

In summary, in light of the paucity in empirical literature specific to internet sex offenders,

the current study filled a void by examining the personality characteristics and psychopathology

of a select sample of ISOs. Investigation of personality characteristics and psychopathology of

ISOs is essential to understanding further within-group differences among sex offenders. It

appears that the ISO is not merely the ‘‘same old’’ sexual predator using a new medium to

acquire victims. This is consistent with the proposal set forth by Cooper et al. (2006), that

sexual activity on the internet will fall just short of illegal behaviour but may none the less

interfere seriously with the development and maintenance of a satisfying lifestyle.

Unfortunately, the internet has become another mechanism for the commitment of sexual

crimes, allowing offenders to build networks and resources to promote victimization, the

exchange of child pornography and instruction on how to lure victims, all masked by

anonymity. In essence, the internet allows a way for predators to perfect their craft and test

personal skills while avoiding detection. The abundance of child pornography on the internet is

of particular concern due to its likelihood to fuel fantasy, which could in effect exacerbate

offending behaviour and accelerate the offence cycle (Curnoe & Langevin, 2002). Addition-

ally, worldwide access to the internet impacts negatively on the treatment of sex offenders, in

that offenders can find ways to engage in prohibited activities such as viewing pornography,

and consequently violating probation and treatment regimens without being discovered.

The present authors recommend that future research further refine examinations of

personality characteristics and psychopathology of internet sex offenders. Larger sample sizes,

inclusion of a diverse group of internet sex offenders, and matched comparison groups would

provide a stronger basis for movement in this area of research. Additionally, the inclusion of

multiple forms of personality assessments may provide a richer picture of the unique

characteristics of this group of offenders.

In conclusion, ISOs certainly pose a unique challenge to researchers in this field, such

that no single sex offender code type seems to exist. Given the absence of significant elevations

on their MMPI-2 profiles, differentiating ISOs from the general population may pose an

additional challenge to researchers, especially given the ethical and legal challenges in direct

recruitment of sex offenders for studies pertaining to personality and psychopathology. The

review of personality profiles like those obtained from measures such as the MMPI-2 are

certainly one way to approach the measurement and classification issue. Perhaps another

innovative strategy is to conduct a qualitative analysis of online personalities demonstrated by

internet sex offenders as a means of comparison with the more traditional personality

inventories. Given the importance of this type of research for overall prevention and early

intervention with sexual offenders, continued efforts are certainly warranted and in demand.

146 S. Tomak et al.

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