A discussion of early maladaptive schemas in men convicted sexual offenders in Poland.

Abstract

Aim of the studyThis study aims to explore differences in the prevalence of early maladaptive schemas (EMS) in convicted sexual offenders (CSO’s) as compared to the general male population (control group).Subject or material and methodsThe study included 102 men incarcerated for sexual offences and 167 men from a non-criminal population. The study used the Polish version of Young’s schema questionnaire – YSQ-S3-PL.ResultsThe results demonstrated a higher degree of EMS severity in CSO except in the ‘impaired limits’ domain where non-criminal individuals scored higher. The individuals who have committed sexual offenses displayed more extensive and severe schemas than non-criminal / non-treated males (including more EMS domains).DiscussionThe study revealed nine early maladaptive schemas characterising the specific mind-set of male sex offender convicts. The results seem to illustrate well the genesis of the formation of a disordered personality as described by J. Young within the schema therapy concept. In the context of the cited studies, these structures – in addition to their important role in the development of psychopathology – appear to contribute to sexual offending.ConclusionsThe conclusion emerging from the findings is that EMS are an important problem for Individuals involved in sexual offending. A consideration of these schemas in the psychotherapy of CSO’s would help develop new and effective therapeutic protocols designed to treat that particular population and reduce the rate of repeat offending.