The Significance of Psychological Trauma and Brain Injury in the Treatment and Evaluation of Sex Offenders

Abstract

The relationship between adverse childhood events and sexual offending behaviors has received a growing amount of attention in the literature. Although findings have demonstrated such commonalities in the histories of sex offenders, a closer examination reveals differences in past experiences among those who offend against adults and those who offend against children. Further evidence suggests that factors related to the persistence of sexual offending may be different from those related to the initiation of such. For instance, there is little to support the fact that an adverse childhood environment is related to sexual recidivism. However, it is not just psychological trauma and its emotional sequelae that may impact one’s sexual behavior. Brain trauma impacts important components of sexual behavior such as libido, motivation, and impulse control. Multiple studies point out various areas and structures of the brain that may be involved in sexual deviant behaviors and/or hypersexuality, especially when affected by acquired brain injury. Traumatic brain injury that involves these areas may impact an individual’s libido intensity or change sexual preference, at times leading to sex offending. However, not every brain trauma leads to such substantial changes in one’s sexuality and sexual behavior. Neuroimaging techniques and neuropsychological assessment instruments can identify structural and functional changes and help to answer the questions of dangerousness, post-release management, and rehabilitation.