Causal attributions for offending and victim-related perceptions of imprisoned child sex offenders

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This qualitative study with a sample of 10 child sex offenders in Tripolis prison, Greece, aimed to evaluate their causal attributions for offending and their victim-related perceptions. The deductive thematic analysis revealed the following themes concerning their attributions for offending: 1) No explanation provided; 2) “I don’t know why I am in prison. I don’t accept the accusations and I didn’t do anything”; 3) “My action was misunderstood. It wasn't molestation"; 4) “Ι did it but not in the way it was presented”; 5) “I did it, but I don’t accept the culpability”; 6) “I did it and I accept the culpability”. With regard to their victim-related perceptions, the following themes were revealed: 1) "The victim is very well and hasn’t been affected by the molestation"; 2) "I don’t know where the victim is-I suppose he/she is fine"; 3) "I don’t know where the victim is-I suppose he/she has been affected by the molestation"; 4) "I don’t know where the victim is-I suppose he/she isn’t fine due to other reasons". The above themes provide a new framework for evaluating this topic. By enhancing our understanding of this field, we can better plan interventions that respond to the clinical needs of these offenders.