Distortion and Lying as Defense Processes in the Adolescent Child Molester.

Abstract

Abstract The article proposes that the adolescent child molester universally engages in the defense processes of distortion and lying in an attempt to avoid the extremely aversive consequences of acknowledging his offense. It is suggested that these processes are interrelated and difficult to distinguish from one another. A theoretical rationale is presented as to the function and origin of the processes. Six specific denial strategies which are common manifestations of distortion and lying are outlined. The ideas presented are based on clinical observation of 42 adolescent child molesters in an outpatient setting.