Issues regarding sex offenders can be found at all levels of the correctional system. During entry and housing in jails while waiting sentencing, to housing in prisons, and then again when a sex offender enters probation or parole. Leaders in the corrections field have closely worked with psychology experts to find a viable solution on a multitude of problems these specific offenders pose. One of the problem area’s solutions is the concept of behavior modification. Behavior modification is not a new concept as far as corrections is concerned; some say that the whole corrections process is geared towards behavior modification.
Sex offender behavior modification is a growing sub group of the rehabilitation model. While most argue the importance …show more content…
Behavior modification as defined by the Sex offender solution and education network is, “Behavior altering techniques to increase or decrease the frequency of behaviors, such as altering an individual’s behaviors and reactions to stimuli through positive and negative reinforcement.” (Bassler, 2013)
A number of these techniques include mild electric shock or an introduction of noxious odors. For instance, an inmate is instructed to view material that could induce arousal for a person attracted to children (pedophile), depending on the inmate’s arousal, if any, a mild shock would be administered to the subject. The aim of the treatment would be to change the thinking of the inmate’s mind, to associate the arousing material with negative cognition. (Robinson, n.d.) Another technique involves the positive recognition towards appropriate sexual arousal. This technique involves using biofeedback to the inmate, depending on their arousal cues by inappropriate material [extreme bondage or rape]. By the inmate determining the beginning of their arousal, the administrators can then introduce appropriate arousal material [of age, non violent pornography], ultimately attempting to re-route inappropriate thoughts into non-deviant sexual arousal. (Quincy, …show more content…
The offender should be able to control their body and what happens to it, as long as they are of sound mind and without coercion. The correctional systems across the United States continually tinker with the minds of incarcerated people, using early release and parole granted after therapy as a “carrot on a stick” for sex offenders. I do not think any amount of behavioral modification therapy could be applied to a person to make them behave as a deviant, subsequently the opposite could not occur. The research shows success in reduction of recidivism [17% down to 10% with “booster” treatments] (Arkowitz, 2008) but not necessarily a change in person’s deviant thoughts, just a change on how the offender
Sex offender behavior modification is a growing sub group of the rehabilitation model. While most argue the importance …show more content…
Behavior modification as defined by the Sex offender solution and education network is, “Behavior altering techniques to increase or decrease the frequency of behaviors, such as altering an individual’s behaviors and reactions to stimuli through positive and negative reinforcement.” (Bassler, 2013)
A number of these techniques include mild electric shock or an introduction of noxious odors. For instance, an inmate is instructed to view material that could induce arousal for a person attracted to children (pedophile), depending on the inmate’s arousal, if any, a mild shock would be administered to the subject. The aim of the treatment would be to change the thinking of the inmate’s mind, to associate the arousing material with negative cognition. (Robinson, n.d.) Another technique involves the positive recognition towards appropriate sexual arousal. This technique involves using biofeedback to the inmate, depending on their arousal cues by inappropriate material [extreme bondage or rape]. By the inmate determining the beginning of their arousal, the administrators can then introduce appropriate arousal material [of age, non violent pornography], ultimately attempting to re-route inappropriate thoughts into non-deviant sexual arousal. (Quincy, …show more content…
The offender should be able to control their body and what happens to it, as long as they are of sound mind and without coercion. The correctional systems across the United States continually tinker with the minds of incarcerated people, using early release and parole granted after therapy as a “carrot on a stick” for sex offenders. I do not think any amount of behavioral modification therapy could be applied to a person to make them behave as a deviant, subsequently the opposite could not occur. The research shows success in reduction of recidivism [17% down to 10% with “booster” treatments] (Arkowitz, 2008) but not necessarily a change in person’s deviant thoughts, just a change on how the offender