Research Online at MacEwan :: Browsing by Author "Jung, Sandy"

Browsing by Author "Jung, Sandy"

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A comparative profile of intimate partner sexual violence
(2021) Jung, Sandy; Faitakis, Martina; Cheema, Harleen
Sexual violence is prevalent in abusive relationships and yet, has received substantially less attention than physical violence in relationships or sexual violence, in general. The present study compared intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) with non-sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual violence against other non-intimate partner victims on demographic data of perpetrators and victims, offence and police reporting features, and the perpetrators’ criminal history and recidivism. Sexual and violent assaults reported to local law enforcement that led to an arrest were randomly selected. Analyses revealed that IPSV occurrences took longer to report compared to the other violent occurrences. However, IPSV was similar to IPV occurrences in that weapons were rarely involved, occurrences were more likely outside of the downtown area, and perpetrators were younger. These findings contribute to our limited knowledge about IPSV perpetration and highlight avenues for future exploration in the literature.
A comparison of Canadian and American offender stereotypes
(2013) Allison, Meredith; Sweeney, Laura; Jung, Sandy
Offender stereotypes of Canadians and Americans were compared via an inductive, open-ended method. Participants were asked to write down the race, gender, and age for eleven types of offenders. There was agreement between the two countries in terms of race (White for eight offender types), gender (male for eight offenders), and age (similar estimation of age for six offenders). However, Americans were more likely to state that the Armed Robber was Black. Participants in both countries indicated that the Drug Trafficker was Black, although, a third of Americans also indicated this offender type was Hispanic. The findings are discussed in relation to the demographic makeup of the general, and offender populations of each country.
Abuse histories and attributions of sexual offenders
(2011) Jung, Sandy; Carlson, Elizabeth; Jung, Sandy
The current study is an exploratory study examining the relationship between the abuse histories of 89 sexual offenders and the constructs of locus of control, sexual attitudes, general empathy, and denial. Of the 89 offenders, 14.6% were sexually abused, 13.5% physically abused, and 9% both sexually and physically abused, with 61.5% having no abuse history. Analyses indicated that motivation to change was higher for abused versus non‐abused offenders, and that those who were sexually abused had significantly more cognitive distortions about children than those who experienced physical abuse. Although no differences emerged in locus of control scores, our findings indicated that physically abused offenders were more able to take on the perspective of others than those who have not experienced physical abuse. The findings provide several avenues to pursue in examining the longstanding effects of abuse in the thinking and cognitions of sexual offenders.
An evaluation of the reliability, construct validity, and factor structure of the static-2002R
(2015) Jung, Sandy; Ennis, Liam; Hermann, Chantal A.; Pham, Anna; Choy, Alberto L.; Corabian, Gabriela; Hook, Tarah; Jung, Sandy
The fundamental psychometric properties of the subscales found in the Static-2002R, an actuarial measure of sexual recidivism risk, were evaluated in the current study. Namely, the reliability, concurrent and construct validity, and factor structure of the Static-2002R subscales were examined with a sample of 372 adult male sex offenders. In addition to using validated measures of sexual violence risk to examine concurrent validity, construct-related measures taken from extant risk measures and psychometric tests were correlated with three of the subscales to assess overall construct validity. Moderate support was found for the reliability of the Static-2002R. The concurrent and construct validity of the General Criminality, Persistence of Sexual Offending, and Deviant Sexual Interest subscales were supported. Generally, these findings further support the Static-2002R as a valid sex offender risk appraisal instrument that encompasses multiple distinct, clinically relevant, risk domains.
An examination of convergent constructs among Level of Service measures and other measures
(2012) Jung, Sandy; Daniels, Melissa; Friesen, Michael; Ledi, Denise; Jung, Sandy
The Level of Service Inventory-Revised and its successor, the Level of Service/Case Management Inventory are theoretically based risk assessment measures derived from what are known as the “Central Eight” risk factors. These Level of Service instruments have been empirically demonstrated to predict recidivism; however, given the importance of using the these instruments to assess the central eight risk factors, it is also important to ensure that the measures’ subscales are actually assessing the intended constructs. In the present study, files of 219 offenders were coded to investigate the concurrent and discriminant validity by correlating seven of the Level of Service subscales with construct-relevant scales of the Personality Assessment Inventory, Cormier-Lang Criminal History Score, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Assessment-2, and intelligence measures. The results provide preliminary support for the construct validity of the domains measured by the Level of Service instruments, with the exception of the Emotional/Personal subscale.
An examination of judicial sentencing decisions in child pornography and child molestation cases in Canada
(2012) Jung, Sandy; Stein, Shayla; Jung, Sandy
Purpose Accessing and distributing child pornography is an emerging problem. This paper aims to examine the judicial sentencing decisions of child pornography cases and whether they differ from decisions of child molestation cases. Design/methodology/approach Using a legal database of Canadian court judgments, the study examined sentencing decisions of 50 child pornography and 50 child molestation cases, identifying variables that were present in the judges' reasons for their decision. Findings The results revealed a disparity in sentencing that favours incarceration rather than community sentences for child molesters over child pornography cases. Despite what appears to be lighter sentences for child pornography offenders, judges were more likely to sanction treatment and recommend restrictions in cases of child pornography than child molestation. In light of the absence of literature exploring sentencing disparity among child sexual offences, further directions and suggestions for practice are discussed. Practical implications The examination of the disparity of sentencing decisions for child molesters and child pornography offenders and the identified variables that may contribute to these decisions suggests that the judiciary views child pornography and child molestation offenders differently and are more punitive toward contact offenders. Such disparity has implications for the criminal justice system. Originality/value This study offers the first exploration of sentencing disparity and decisions on child pornography and child molestation cases in Canada.
Appraising risk for intimate partner violence in a police context
(2017) Jung, Sandy; Buro, Karen
This study examines the predictive accuracy of three risk assessment approaches for intimate partner violence (IPV) among a sample of 246 male perpetrators who were charged for offenses against their intimate partners. The sample was followed up for an average of 3.3 years, and any new general, violent, and IPV charges and convictions were recorded. The Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) and a modified 14-item version of the Spousal Assault Risk Assessment Guide (SARA) demonstrated large effects in their ability to predict any reoffending or any violent reoffending and moderate predictive accuracy for IPV offending behaviors. The regionally used approach, Family Violence Investigative Report (FVIR), showed good predictive validity for any future offending but poorly predicted any of the violent-specific recidivism outcomes. Results of the study show that the ODARA was significantly better at predicting violence risk over the FVIR, but paired comparisons did not reveal statistical differences with the SARA.
Are cognitive distortions associated with denial and minimization among sex offenders?
(2012) Nunes, Kevin L.; Jung, Sandy
Although there has been much speculation about the relationship between cognitive distortions and denial/minimization, little research on the subject is available. The authors conducted secondary analyses on existing data sets to further examine the degree of association between various measures of cognitive distortions and denial/minimization among child molesters (Sample 1, n = 73; Sample 2, n = 42; Sample 3, n = 38) and rapists (Sample 1, n = 41; Sample 3, n = 14). Meta-analysis of the findings from Samples 1, 2, and 3 indicated that greater endorsement of cognitive distortions about sex offending in general was significantly associated with greater denial/minimization of one’s own guilt and deviance (r = .24), harm to one’s own victims (r = .32), one’s need for treatment (r = .21), and responsibility for one’s sex offenses (r = .16). Although correlated, cognitive distortions and denial/minimization, at least as typically measured, are distinct constructs.
Are we on the same page? Comparing the perceptions of professionals on overall sexual offending risk
(2017) Maltais, Natasha; Jung, Sandy
The current study will be looking at overall sexual risk perceptions of professionals who assess and treat sexual offenders. The participants will be members of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA), who will be asked to complete an online survey comprised of a vignette and a questionnaire. The vignette will describe a person who has offended sexually and will include one of three levels of risk (i.e., low, moderate, high). The questionnaire will also be comprised of basic questions about the participant, their role in conducting risk assessments, and their attitudes and individual characteristics. The survey will attempt to address three separate questions. First, we will be looking at how different risk categories are perceived. Second, participants will be asked about the intensity of treatment that they believe should be assigned to a given level of risk. Finally, the survey will examine the relationship between their perceptions and their political attitudes, general views on sexual offenders, and punitive attitudes of the participants. The findings from this study may provide insight into treatment providers’ perceptions of risk and how this may influence predictions of reoffending and treatment decisions, such as allocation of services. Their perceptions may also be associated with specific characteristics and traits, which will also be examined and may identify reason for these perceptions.
Are we on the same page? Comparing the perceptions of professionals on overall sexual violence risk
(2018) Maltais, Natasha; Jung, Sandy
The risk, need, and responsivity (RNR) model is currently the most evidence-supported model of treatment for offenders. Although there is ample research that focuses on the validation of the model, very few studies have examined how well professionals adhere to the principles of RNR. The current study investigated how professionals perceive sexual violence risk, what treatment dosages professionals recommend and how they quantify those dosages, if they can identify criminogenic needs and responsivity issues, and if individual attitudes of professionals influence risk perceptions. Additionally, the study examined if individual attitudes of professionals could have an influence on their perceptions of sexual violence risk. Twenty-nine members of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA) completed an online survey where they read a mock referral form about an individual who had sexually offended and completed a series of questionnaires. The findings revealed that professionals were more likely to use their own discretion when making risk-related decisions, disagreed on treatment dosage, and were unable to consistently identify criminogenic needs and responsivity issues. These results suggest that professionals may not be adhering as closely to the principles of RNR as would be expected and highlight the need for validated guidelines to ensure sound practice.
Attitudes and decisions about sexual offenders: a comparison of laypersons and professionals
(2012) Jung, Sandy; Jamieson, Lisa; Buro, Karen; DeCesare, John; Jung, Sandy
The 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.
Child pornography offending seen through three theoretical lenses
(2012) Jung, Sandy; Ennis, Liam; Malesky, L. Alvin
Understanding the complex issues surrounding child pornography offending is still in its infancy, and questions regarding the etiological underpinnings of sexually deviant interests and behaviors for these offenders remain both salient and unanswered. This article considers these questions through the lenses of three psychological theories of behavior: (1) social learning theory, (2) courtship disorder theory, and (3) behavioral economics. The development and maintenance of child pornography offending, as well as the potential for off-line escalation of those behaviors, from each theoretical perspective is discussed and the implications for theoretically grounded clinical practice is explored.
Child pornography possessors: comparisons and contrasts with contact- and non-contact sex offenders
(2013) Jung, Sandy; Ennis, Liam; Stein, Shayla; Choy, Alberto L.; Hook, Tarah; Jung, Sandy
The advent of the Internet has facilitated a dramatic increase in the number of individuals accessing and possessing child pornography, and a corresponding increase in referrals for assessment and treatment. Questions remain regarding whether child pornography possessors are more similar to or different from other types of sex offenders, and whether or not assessment and treatment protocols for contact and non-contact sex offenders are appropriately applied to child porn offenders. The present study compared 50 child pornography offenders, 45 non-contact sex offenders, and 101 contact child molesters. Results indicated that the three groups were more similar than different; however, child pornography offenders were distinguished by greater academic and vocational achievement, fewer childhood behavior problems, and by select relational variables. Recidivism rates were low for all groups.
Crimes and punishment: understanding of the criminal code
(2014) Jung, Sandy; Ahn-Redding, Heather; Allison, Meredith
Knowledge about criminal laws is expected in our society. There are many important reasons why accurate knowledge should be expected, such as the deterrence of citizens from engaging in illegal conduct and the assurance that people are making sound decisions about supporting or not supporting changes in the criminal justice system. This study surveyed 301 undergraduate students about their knowledge of criminal laws and their associated sentences. Our results indicate that participants were accurate in defining theft and the ages for legal use of substances and identifying whether specific scenarios are considered sexual offences, but less able to define the blood alcohol level for impaired driving, dangerous driving, sexual interference, and aggravated sexual assault. With regards to sentencing dispositions, participants were not consistently accurate. They also tended to inflate the likelihood of reoffending in general, particularly violent and sexual offending. Prior exposure to the criminal justice system did not seem to be associated with crime and sentencing knowledge or recidivism estimations. Our findings identify areas where young adults are unaware of legal definitions of crimes and their punishments and solicit the need to find innovative ways to educate young adults on the Criminal Code.
Criminogenic and non-criminogenic needs of high-risk offenders
(2022) Robles, Chella Mae; Thomas, Mackenzie; Jung, Sandy
There is limited research about individuals incarcerated until the end of their sentence without being supervised in the community through parole. When they are assessed to be a high risk for committing sexual or violent offences, they can be placed on Section 810 peace bonds to restrict their movements and behaviours (Harris, 2001). The present study examines high-risk individuals’ basic needs, criminogenic needs (i.e., dynamic risk factors), and responsivity issues and how these predict their reintegration success. Specifically, it assesses whether these factors contribute to missing an appointment, violating conditions, and reoffending. The files of 45 individuals were coded for the first year of post-release supervision to explore challenges and performance while under supervision for each 4-month time period. The area under the curve statistic was calculated to evaluate the predictive accuracy of each total for basic needs items, criminogenic needs, responsivity issues, and three community outcomes. The findings indicated that criminogenic needs consistently predicted violations of conditions and reoffending across time periods. However, basic needs and responsivity were not predictive of missed appointments and reoffending for all time periods. These findings suggest that supervision and monitoring of these factors play an essential role in stabilizing and effectively reintegrating these individuals into the community. However, a greater emphasis should be placed on criminogenic needs to reduce criminal behaviour. Future research is needed to examine the predictive validity of individual criminogenic risk factors and the association of basic needs, criminogenic needs, and responsivity issues regarding long-term reintegration success.
Criminogenic needs based on sexual assault typologies
(2022) Thomas, Mackenzie; Jung, Sandy
People have an intrinsic desire to understand other people’s behaviour, especially when considered socially deviant or abnormal. This fascination has led to several theoretical and empirically-based typologies for criminal behaviour, including sexual assault. These are typically based on the premise that those who commit sexual assault have different individual characteristics. The greater knowledge we gain to identify diverse groups of these individuals may help us understand the characteristics associated with their sexual offending. The current study examines the typology proposed by Knight and Prentky (1990). The Massachusetts Treatment Center Rapist Typology, Version 3 (MTC: R3) identifies five general categories of rapists, four of which are examined in the current study. These categories include opportunistic, pervasively angry, vindictive, and sexual types. Using a sample of 300 individuals who have been investigated for sexual assault, the present study categorizes these individuals into one of these typologies. This research identifies potentially unique attributes for each subtype, and it is hypothesized that these subtypes will present with different individual characteristics, including criminogenic needs, depending on the type of motivation that reflects a particular individual who sexually offends. The practical implications of this study for criminal justice professionals, such as police, will be discussed, and it is hoped that our findings will increase our understanding of individuals who have committed sexual offences.
Criminogenic needs based on sexual assault typologies
(2022) Thomas, Mackenzie; Jung, Sandy
People have an intrinsic desire to understand other people’s behaviour, especially when considered socially deviant or abnormal. This fascination has led to several theoretical and empirically-based typologies for criminal behaviour, including sexual assault. These are typically based on the premise that those who commit sexual assault have different individual characteristics. The greater knowledge we gain to identify diverse groups of these individuals may help us understand the characteristics associated with their sexual offending. The current study examines the typology proposed by Knight and Prentky (1990). The Massachusetts Treatment Center Rapist Typology, Version 3 (MTC: R3) identifies five general categories of rapists, four of which are examined in the current study. These categories include opportunistic, pervasively angry, vindictive, and sexual types. Using a sample of 300 individuals who have been investigated for sexual assault, the present study categorizes these individuals into one of these typologies. This research identifies potentially unique attributes for each subtype, and it is hypothesized that these subtypes will present with different individual characteristics, including criminogenic needs, depending on the type of motivation that reflects a particular individual who sexually offends. The practical implications of this study for criminal justice professionals, such as police, will be discussed, and it is hoped that our findings will increase our understanding of individuals who have committed sexual offences.
Criminogenic needs based on sexual assault typologies
(2022) Thomas, Mackenzie; Jung, Sandy
People have an intrinsic desire to understand other people’s behaviour, especially when considered socially deviant or abnormal. This fascination has led to several theoretical and empirically-based typologies for criminal behaviour, including sexual assault. These are typically based on the premise that those who commit sexual assault have different individual characteristics. The greater knowledge we gain to identify diverse groups of these individuals may help us understand the characteristics associated with their sexual offending. The current study examines the typology proposed by Knight and Prentky (1990). The Massachusetts Treatment Center Rapist Typology, Version 3 (MTC: R3) identifies five general categories of rapists, four of which are examined in the current study. These categories include opportunistic, pervasively angry, vindictive, and sexual types. Using a sample of 300 individuals who have been investigated for sexual assault, the present study categorizes these individuals into one of these typologies. This research identifies potentially unique attributes for each subtype, and it is hypothesized that these subtypes will present with different individual characteristics, including criminogenic needs, depending on the type of motivation that reflects a particular individual who sexually offends. The practical implications of this study for criminal justice professionals, such as police, will be discussed, and it is hoped that our findings will increase our understanding of individuals who have committed sexual offences.
Denial and its relationship with treatment perceptions among sex offenders
(2012) Jung, Sandy; Nunes, Kevin L.
We examined the relationship between denial/minimization and treatment perceptions using multiple measures of each construct in a sample of 185 adult male sex offenders. Denial/minimization was measured with the Comprehensive Inventory of Denial—Sex Offender version (CID-SO), Sex Offender Acceptance of Responsibility Scales (SOARS), and an item from a risk assessment measure (Sexual Violence Risk-20; SVR-20). Treatment perceptions were measured with the treatment readiness scale of the Multiphasic Sex Inventory (MSI and MSI-II) and the treatment rejection scale of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). Most aspects of denial and minimization had significant moderate to strong associations with more negative perceptions of treatment. Questions about the distinctiveness versus overlap between measures of denial/minimization and treatment perceptions notwithstanding, our findings are consistent with conceptualizations in past research and practice that greater denial/minimization is associated with lower motivation for treatment. Rather than excluding deniers from treatment, additional efforts are required to engage higher risk sex offenders exhibiting denial and minimization.
Denial in sex offending treatment: examining criminal career diversity
(2020) Zara, Georgia; Farrington, David P.; Jung, Sandy
Sex offenders commonly exhibit some degree of denial of their offending. Past research has shown that denial conflicts with treatment completion, but does not necessarily increase sexual reoffending risk. This study explores whether the impact of denial upon the treatment of sex offenders is unequivocal or influenced by other factors, such as criminal career variables and dynamic risk. Thirty-five convicted male sex offenders in Italy were assessed for criminal career characteristics (e.g., heterogeneous versus specialized offending), for the nature of denial, and for dynamic risk factors. Interventions for sex offenders may be more effective if they are designed to differentiate between heterogeneous offenders who are difficult to engage in treatment, and specialized sex offenders who are more likely to engage in and complete treatment, regardless of their level of denial. Heterogeneous and specialized sex offenders pose different risks and these differences need to be taken into account in treatment.

Browsing by Author "Jung, Sandy"

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