Repository logo
 

Attitudes and decisions about sexual offenders: a comparison of laypersons and professionals

dc.contributor.advisorJung, Sandy
dc.contributor.authorJung, Sandy
dc.contributor.authorJamieson, Lisa
dc.contributor.authorBuro, Karen
dc.contributor.authorDeCesare, John
dc.date.accessioned2016-02-05
dc.date.accessioned2022-05-27T01:15:03Z
dc.date.available2022-05-27T01:15:03Z
dc.date.issued2012
dc.description.abstractThe current study examines the inherent biases about sexual offending held by 123 laypersons and 120 professionals (i.e. probation officers and therapists). In order to determine the extent of these biases, a series of brief newspaper articles were constructed to depict cases of sexual offenders. Each article comprised several combinations of key variables, including offender type, level of admission, and the presence of alcohol. Participants read a series of three fabricated articles and then completed a questionnaire regarding attitudes about the various offenders. The results indicate important differences between the lay and professional samples. Laypersons deemed sex offenders more favourably in terms of character, accountability, and risk for sexual recidivism. However, both groups showed some similar perceptions about sexual offending. Specifically, both groups evaluated child molesters more negatively than exhibitionists and in some cases, rapists. These findings highlight the need for continuing education for professionals in order to attenuate the effects of prejudicial attitudes.
dc.description.urihttps://library.macewan.ca/cgi-bin/SFX/url.pl/861
dc.identifier.citationJung, S., Jamieson, L., Buro, K. and DeCesare, J. (2012), Attitudes and Decisions about Sexual Offenders: A Comparison of Laypersons and Professionals. J. Community Appl. Soc. Psychol., 22: 225-238. https://doi.org/10.1002/casp.1109
dc.identifier.doihttps://doi.org/10.1002/casp.1109
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14078/504
dc.languageEnglish
dc.language.isoen
dc.rightsAll Rights Reserved
dc.subjectattitudes
dc.subjectprofessionals
dc.subjectsex offenders
dc.subjectperceptions
dc.subjectdenial
dc.subjectlaypersons
dc.titleAttitudes and decisions about sexual offenders: a comparison of laypersons and professionalsen
dc.typeArticle

Files