Self-Concept Changes in Sex Offenders Following Prison Psychoeducational Treatment

This article discusses the effects of psychoeducational treatment on the self-concept of incarcerated sex offenders in a prison residential program. "Polaris," the treatment program, is a voluntary, one-year program emphasizing a cognitive-behavioral, psychoeducational approach within the context of a residential unit of the prison. The Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS) was used to assess the self-concept of sex offenders as they progressed through the program. Results suggest that offenders showed less defensive-ness, more self-criticism, and greater personal integration after they completed the program. These findings have implications for program planning by prison administrators and sex offender therapists.