Female Sexual Abusers' Cognition: A Systematic Review. (January 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gannon, Theresa A.; Alleyne, Emma K. A.
• Other Names: Gannon Theresa A. guest-editor.; Ward Tony guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Trauma, violence & abuse. Volume 14:Number 1(2013)
• Page Start: 67
• Page End: 79
• Publication Date: 2013-01
• Subjects: female sexual abuser -- female child sexual offender -- female child molester -- offense-supportive cognition -- implicit theories -- rape myths; Child abuse -- Periodicals; Post-traumatic stress disorder in children -- Periodicals; Violence -- Periodicals; Family violence -- Periodicals; Violence envers les enfants -- Périodiques; Violence familiale -- Périodiques; Névroses post-traumatiques -- Périodiques; 616.8521
• DOI: 10.1177/1524838012462245
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1524-8380

Abstract

Until recently, the sexual offending literature focused on male perpetrators and neglected to examine the characteristics of female perpetrators. As a result, treatment provision for female sexual abusers has been either nonexistent or inappropriately adapted from programs designed for males. What we do know is that male and female sexual abusers share similarities; however, there remain distinct differences that warrant empirical and theoretical study. The current review systematically examines the literature on offense-supportive cognition in female sexual abusers. The aim of this systematic review is to aid clinical practitioners who work with female sexual abusers by providing an evaluation of current available research regarding implicit theories, rape myth acceptance, violence-supportive cognition, gender stereotypes, beliefs about sex, and empathy. We conclude that further research examining the offense-supportive cognition of female sexual abusers is needed in order to facilitate more effective empirically driven clinical practice.