New Zealand Journal of Psychology, 2006, 35(1): 36-44

This article discusses a study that analysed the profiles of adolescent male sexual offenders. A self-report inventory containing 160 items that assess personality patterns, significant personal concerns and clinical symptoms was administered to 25 male adolescents, aged 13 to 17, in a community-based treatment programme. The self-report inventory known as the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory was administered as part of the routine assessment conducted by the treatment programme. The study aimed to determine if this measure could be used to identify different subtypes of offenders based on personality variables. Quantitative analysis identified three groups: anti-social and externalising types; withdrawn, socially inadequate types; and those displaying few clinically significant traits. Discussion is provided on the three types along with implications for treatment. Dysfunctional family environments were reported by both the antisocial and inadequate groups. A suggestion is made that family interventions addressing attitudes toward child maltreatment, violence against women, and male-modelled anti-social behaviours could be of therapeutic benefit. The results also showed that adolescent sexual offenders exhibit personality profiles similar to those of delinquent non-sexual offenders.