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Lookup NU author(s): Lars Madsen, Dr Shaun Parsons, Professor Donald Grubin
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The study examined whether periodic polygraph testing in sex offenders acted as a deterrent for engaging in risk behaviour. Fifty community-based male sex offenders were allocated into two groups: a 'Polygraph Aware' group where participants were told to expect a polygraph test, and a 'Polygraph Unaware' group. Relevant behaviours reflecting varying degrees of seriousness (Low, Medium and High) were identified at initial baseline interviews. Both groups were polygraphed after 3 months and then again at 6 months. Thirty-two subjects (64%) attended the first polygraph examination, 31 (97%) of whom disclosed relevant behaviours. There was no significant difference in the seriousness of behaviours reported between the two conditions. All subjects were told to expect a second polygraph. Twenty-one subjects (42%) completed the second polygraph test, with 71% disclosing relevant behaviours. There was a significant decrease in the seriousness of behaviours reported when compared with the first test. It was concluded that polygraph testing had an impact on the level of seriousness of the risk behaviours engaged in by sex offenders, but this only occurred after experience of the test itself. The high refusal and attrition rates suggested that some offenders sought to avoid the polygraph. © 2004 Taylor & Francis Ltd.
Author(s): Madsen L, Parsons S, Grubin D
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology
Year: 2004
Volume: 15
Issue: 4
Pages: 682-695
Print publication date: 01/12/2004
ISSN (print): 1478-9949
ISSN (electronic): 1478-9957
Publisher: Routledge
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1478994042000270256
DOI: 10.1080/1478994042000270256
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