A Developmental Model for Assessing Adolescents with Problematic Sexual Behaviors
Evaluations of adolescents with problematic sexual behaviors (PSB) often focus on future risk and recidivism, consistent with the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model. However, the low base rate of known sexual re-offense and moderate effect size of risk tools limit the accuracy of these assessments. Further, youths with PSB are still very much “works in progress.” Their abilities to anticipate consequences, solve problems effectively, and apply prosocial reasoning are still developing. Therefore, additional assessment methods may help professionals identify the most relevant risk factors and support the establishment of appropriate treatment goals.
In this training, Dr. Norbert Ralph presents a developmental model for adolescent assessment, emphasizing factors that disrupt normative, prosocial psychosexual development and highlighting treatable conditions that can reduce risk for repeating problem sexual behaviors.
