The Classification of Rapists and Child Molesters

Abstract Classification difficulties have hindered research in the area of sexual deviations. The specific enumeration of groups allows for the development of assessment and treatment procedures designed specifically for each group. This necessitates a comprehensive assessment of subjects, as well as the inclusion of a variety of control groups. The present study attempted to classify convicted rapists and child molesters, as well as three different control gioups, based on information obtained from a variety of assessment sources. Results indicated that behavioral measures combined with life history data can accurately classify subjects well above chance rates. Fairly accurate classification was obtained for three of the five groups, with some difficulties differentiating rapists from non-sex offender inmates. These results point to the need for a comprehensive assessment model, and additional research necessary to more clearly differentiate among the groups.