The aim of this paper is to present a research study that investigated incarcerated child sex offenders' experiences of the self-disclosure of their offence process in a prototypical group treatment programme. The research was conducted at Kia Marama programme, based at Rolleston Prison, New Zealand. The participants were 16 incarcerated offenders (aged between 23 and 56 years) who had been convicted of one or more sexual crimes against persons under the age of 16 years. Data was collected and analysed using a grounded theory method. With their consent, participants were video-taped during a group therapy session, and this was followed by an individual interview to inquire about a participant's personal experience of the session. The research participants were asked to identify significant events that they experienced in the context of the group treatment, and these were the basis of a further follow-up session. The research findings identify four distinct management styles to disclosure orientation: exploratory style, oppositional style, evasive style, and placatory style. The latter three are seen as unfavourable in terms of effective management in treatment. The author discusses the limitations of the current research, and the implications of the four styles of disclosure management are examined. The article concludes with suggestions for further research.

Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment 16(3) July 2004 : 191-208