Cognitive Distortions of Child Molesters on Probation or Parole in J apan

The present study examined cognitive distortions of child molesters on probation or parole in J apan utilizing an 18‐item questionnaire administered in a treatment program conducted by the probation officers. This study analyzed the responses of child molesters ( n = 51), non‐child‐molesting sexual offenders ( n = 65), and non‐offenders ( n = 64). Factor analysis of the responses showed three types of cognitive distortions: R ationalization of O ffending B ehavior, M inimization of R esponsibility for O ffending, and M inimization of V ictim H arm. W elch's analysis of variance followed by G ames‐ H owell post hoc tests revealed that the child molesters scored significantly higher than the non‐offender group on the R ationalization of O ffending B ehavior subscale and the M inimization of R esponsibility for O ffending subscale, and significantly higher than the non‐child‐molesting sexual offender group on the M inimization of R esponsibility for O ffending subscale. The authors discuss the meanings of these three types of cognitive distortions and future research issues.