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Instructor/Advisor

Jonathan P. Kessler, LICSW, SAC

Keywords

Childhood sexual abuse, trauma, male sexual offenders, trauma-informed care

Abstract

This systematic literature review examines how early traumatic experiences, particularly childhood sexual abuse (CSA), influence the development of cognitive distortions, attachment styles, and emotional regulation in individuals who later become sexual offenders. The focus is primarily on male perpetrators, aiming to address gaps in understanding the differences between genders in the path from victimization to offending. The final 20 selected studies highlighted themes related to cognitive distortions, attachment styles, and emotional regulation. The findings suggest that early trauma can lead to harmful beliefs that justify abusive behavior, insecure attachment patterns, and emotional dysregulation. These factors appear to create a cycle where unresolved trauma in CSA victims contribute to offending behavior. This review highlights the need for trauma-informed interventions that directly address these patterns of thinking and emotional regulation. Understanding these connections is crucial for improving prevention and rehabilitation efforts for male offenders. Future research should further explore how gender influences these pathways to better guide clinical practices and policies.

From Victim to Offender: How Childhood Sexual Abuse Shapes Cognitive Distortions, Attachment, and Emotional Regulation in Male Perpetrators

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