ERIC Number: EJ1314982
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Nov
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
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ISSN: ISSN-1360-2322
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How Effective Are Interventions at Enhancing Empathy for Service Users with an Intellectual Disability Who Engage in Sexually Abusive Behaviour? A Review of the Literature
Wormald, Candice; Melia, Yvonne
Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, v34 n6 p1373-1392 Nov 2021
Background: Sexual offending has been attributed to empathy deficits, implicating interventions targeting empathy as a potential mechanism for reducing sexually harmful behaviour. However, there is less known about how appropriate and effective interventions are for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of research findings in this area. Method: Four databases were searched, yielding 13 studies meeting the inclusion criteria which were appraised using the CCAT. Results: CBT group treatments adapted from mainstream treatment programmes for people with intellectual disabilities were widely used, demonstrating improvements in empathy and reductions in sexually abusive behaviour overall. Conclusions: Studies are limited by sample sizes, lack of control groups and inconsistent definitions of intellectual disabilities and sexually abusive behaviour. Future research should include evaluation of models other than CBT, further assessment of empathy-specific interventions and understanding of the mechanism underpinning empathy change.
Descriptors: Program Effectiveness, Intervention, Empathy, Intellectual Disability, Sexual Abuse, Literature Reviews, Behavior Modification, Cognitive Restructuring
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www-wiley-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Information Analyses
Education Level: N/A
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Language: English
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