This work describes a large-scale retrospective study of the psychological antecedents of criminal recidivism. Previous work has shown that a variety of measures can predict recidivism, but does little to elucidate what actually happens when an experienced offender reoffends after release from prison. In contrast, this study proceeds from the perspective that criminal actions are the result of ongoing psychological processes, and that they can be understood better in this context. Over 300 serious male criminal offenders were interviewed and tested after they returned to prison for new crimes, and were asked about their problems, emotions, thoughts and behaviour prior to reoffending. The results show a broad range of differences between the recidivists and a comparison group of ex-offenders surviving in the community. Moreover, the antecedents for recidivism differed according to the type of new offense, indicating how experiential and environmental details may direct the course of recidivism.

This book addresses how and why criminal offenders repeat their actions after being released from prison. It is part of an attempt to explain criminal behavior within the context of a contemporary psychological understanding of behavior, rather than more traditional theories of crime. Over 300 male criminal "repeat offenders" were interviewed and tested. The results indicate that their new offenses may be the result of something like a "breakdown." This report, written for a general audience, has important implications for release supervision, rehabilitation programs, and the prediction of recidivism.

Written for mental health professionals, this indispensable guide reviews the range of relevant literature covering issues in assessing child molesters. Fully updated, this volume directs the professional to the most current knowledge available on the subject in a compact, accessible form. Readers will learn from this resource which characteristics do and do not distinguish child molesters, which situational factors are related to molestation, which instruments are used in the assessment of child molesters, how assessment information is used to appraise risk and guide treatment, and all of the elements of a useful assessment report.