Neurophysiological risk factors in Adolescent Sexual Offending

Sexual offending is a major public health concern in our society, with 21% of those

charged with sexual offenses being adolescents between 12 and 19 years. Characteristics

of these youth include antisocial attitudes, and problems with self-regulation and

intimacy, problems that interfere with learning, social maturation, and appreciating the

rights of others. To date, theories of sexual offending have focused primarily on social

influences and have largely neglected biological mechanisms, providing incomplete

explanations of the phenomena. Partnering with Pathstone Mental Health, the Niagara

regional treatment centre for child and adolescent mental health, the aim of this study is

to integrate neuroscience measures with clinical research to identify individual

variability in adolescent sex offenders that is not measurable at the behavioral level.

Results from this study will inform developmental theories of sexual offending, provide

greater insight into risk and resilience for committing further offenses, and inform

treatment strategies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Sidney Segalowitz

Student:

Partner:

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Brock University

Program:

Accelerate

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