Attitudes toward treatment among sex offender treatment providers affect burnout and empathy

Abstract

ABSTRACT Sex offender treatment providers face unique challenges in their work, and the risks for burnout in this population are significant. Decreased therapist empathy is associated with burnout, and empathy is a key factor in successful sex offender treatment. This study explored whether attitudes toward treatment among 92 sex offender therapists were related to levels of burnout and therapist empathy. Higher levels of burnout were associated with lower levels of empathy, and attitudes toward treatment significantly predicted aspects of burnout and empathy. Demographic variables were unrelated to attitudes toward treatment, but treatment providers working in correctional settings more often believed that sex offenders should remain incarcerated. The importance of understanding factors associated with burnout in this population is discussed, and use of the Attitudes Toward Treatment of Sex Offenders (ATTSO) scale is also considered. Practice Impact Statement This study suggests that attitudes about treatment for sex offenders can affect levels of burnout and empathy for those who provide treatment. Because high burnout and low empathy are both associated with negative outcomes for treatment providers and clients, it is important to understand factors that are related to these experiences.