Juvenile sex offenders' therapeutic alliance : the intricate dynamics of alliance in relation to attachment, trauma, and religion

Author

Rian Michelle Bovard-Johns, Smith College

Publication Date

2009

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department

School for Social Work

Keywords

Therapeutic alliance, Teenage sex offenders-Psychology, Teenage sex offenders-Rehabilitation, Teenage sex offenders-Religious life, Attachment behavior in adolescence, Fathers and sons, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Attachment, Trauma, Religion, Spirituality

Abstract

Therapeutic alliance is the most influential predictor of successful treatment with trans-theoretical capacity. Alliance is directly influenced by client variables which are unique to clinical context. Initial research has evidenced the effectiveness of alliance with adult sex offenders and delinquent youth. The present study extends research, incorporating variables unique to juvenile sex offenders in corrections facilities. Predominant client variables of trauma symptoms and attachment patterns are measured for 332 adjudicated male sex offenders' alliance with staff. The results reveal a significant relationship (F =8.7, DF =171, p <.000) between youths' attachment to peers and communication with fathers that positively predicts alliance and that anxiety based on trauma negatively predicts alliance. Implications future research and treatment are provided.

Language

English

Comments

53 p. Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2009. Includes bibliographical references (p. 50-53)

Recommended Citation

Bovard-Johns, Rian Michelle, "Juvenile sex offenders' therapeutic alliance : the intricate dynamics of alliance in relation to attachment, trauma, and religion" (2009). Masters Thesis, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/theses/1180