The effect of polygraphy on the self report of adolescent sex offenders: Implications for risk assessment

The present study examined three sources of assault history information for seventy-six "high risk" adolescent sexual offenders: collateral (victim statements, police reports, psychological examinations, etc.), clinical interviews, and confirmation polygraph testing. Chi Square analysis revealed significant differences between data retrieved by use of clinical polygraph examination and both of the other data sources. Selected assault history variables assumed to be relevant for pre-treatment decision making and for which significant differences were observed, include: number of victims, process of victim selection, degree of force used in the commission of offenses, use of pornography, and degree of intrusion. The number of female child victims assaulted by the offenders was demonstrated to be significantly related to the severity of pornography used as a stimulus while masturbating. These findings are discussed in terms of pre-treatment decision making and implications for future study of adolescent sexual offenders.