Change in Attitude Toward Parents Among Sex Offenders as a Function of Group Psychotherapy

Fifty male sex offenders in an inpatient group psychotherapy program were assessed pre- and post-treatment with the Child's Attitude Toward Mother (CAM) and Child's Attitude Toward Father (CAF) scales. CAF scores improved significantly (p< .008) but CAM scores did not change significantly (p >.083). These results were attributed to treatment climate characteristics, greater identification with the father, and a general non-androgenous orientation. Attitudes toward parents, a reflection of primary object relations, is an important issue in the treatment of sex offenders with implications for interpersonal relations that transcend the family of origin.