Behavioral Progression

Behavioral Progression
by Lyne Piché Ph.D.
In the last few years, the original concept of a crime cycle has evolved into a more complex theory of the sexual offending patterns of offenders. Fundamentally, a crime cycle was a concept that assisted us in understanding the patterns that occurred prior to a sexual offense. These patterns reflected life events, thoughts and behaviors that were often present prior to a sexual offense. This article will explore those factors, the changes in the concept underlying behavior analysis as well as present some case studies which will highlite the ways in which the new model assists in behavioral analysis.

We observe and evaluate the precursors to a sexual offense by examining the patterns in the offenders life. These patterns are helpful in predicting the individual’s risk of reoffense, factors relating to their offending as well as offender's treatment needs.

Future behavior is predicted by past behavior (see for further discussion, Andrews & Bonta, 2003). Couched in the learning theory, the way we will behave in a given situation is determined by the way in which we behaved in the past. There lies the importance of being able to recognize past patterns of behavior and look to the future to recognize the same pattern prior to a repetition of that same behavior. A crime cycle is a concept that used these principles to help assist in recognizing these patterns of behavior over time. The goal is to offer intervention prior to a repetition of the same behavior whether by arresting the individual, changing release conditions, offering psychological services, or other appropriate action.

Today, the concepts underlying the traditional crime cycle have not fundamentally changed. They have, however, evolved into a more sophisticated analysis of the past and future behavior patterns. Behavioral Progression is the term for the changes made to this concept.

There are many interesting ideas provided by the model of behavioral progression created by Ward & Hudson (2000). One of the elements of their model is to determine the goals of the offender. According to this model, offenders have goals which can be avoidant goals or approach goals. Essentially, this permits the distinction of 1) the offender who does not seek a reoffense but who uses poor coping skills which can lead to a reoffense (avoidant goal) and 2) the offender who is a predator (approach goal). The offender who seeks another reoffense and creates situations to assist him in reoffending is considered to have approach goals. The offender who hopes not to reoffend but who makes choices that could or does lead to another reoffense has avoidant goals. This is a very helpful distinction in understanding differing offender behavior. It also allows for the existence of sexual offenders who don't have life skill deficits and yet continue to reoffend.

Furthermore, by making this distinction, it is also recognized that the offender may feel positive emotions prior to offending and that they do not always avoid reoffending as previously assumed (Yates, 2000).

In order to write a behavioral analysis that is useful and accurate, knowledge of the factors related to the behavior in question is essential. The only way to identify the right risk factors and provide effective intervention techniques is to focus on the right patterns of behaviors. These behaviors are those that are shown to be predictive of a repetition of the pattern. For sexual offenders, we will use the factors that are empirically derived and that have been shown to be related to sexual reoffense. These factors were presented by Hanson & Harris (1998) and are included in their Dynamic Risk Instrument (STABLE).

Recognized risk factors which may be identified and part of the offender's behavioral progression are: intimacy deficits defined as being the absence of lovers or intimate partners, emotional identification with children, hostility towards women, social rejection/loneliness and a lack of concern for others; negative social influences; attitudes supportive of sexual assault as defined as sexual entitlement, rape attitudes and child molester attitudes; poor sexual self-regulation as defined by sex drive/preoccupations, sex as coping and deviant sexual interests; poor cooperation with supervision; and finally, poor general self-regulation defined as being impulsive acts, poor cognitive problem solving skills, and negative emotionality/hostility.

Factors that may be present immediately prior to a sexual reoffense are: emotional collapse, collapse of social supports, sexual preoccupations, rejection of supervision, substance abuse, negative mood, anger/hostility and victim access (Hanson & Harris, 1998).

It is important to note that a thorough behavioral analysis looks at behavior, thoughts, emotions, attitudes, values and all other events that occurred prior to the sexual reoffense. The goal is to identify patterns and provide a succinct way of understanding and perceiving the offender’s thoughts, emotions and behaviors prior to sexual offending.

Techniques used to identify behavior patterns will vary greatly. It is important to obtain information from many sources. Offenders are not always the best at identifying patterns of behaviors in their lives. Techniques used to identify a behavioral progression should include : a full file review looking at all original documents available on the offender; obtaining details about daily life activities, hobbies and schedules; asking the offender to maintain a log, diary or journal that outlines repetitive daily behaviors and routines; direct observation of the person, their behavior and common consequences/reactions to various situations and; talking to collateral sources regularly.

In essence, a behavioral progression involves identifying risk relevant factors, identifying patterns in the offender's behavior and intercepting the pattern when it is observed in the future. The ultimate goal is to avoid a repetition of the illegal and/or harmful behavior.

References:

Andrews, D. A. & Bonta, J. (2003). The Psychology of Criminal Conduct. Cincinnati: Anderson Publications.
Hanson, R. K. & Harris, A. (1998) Dynamic Predictors of Sexual Recidivism, Sol. Gen.
Ward, T. & Hudson, S. (2000) A Self-Regulation Model of Relapse Prevention in D.R. Laws, S. S. M. Hudson & T. Ward (Eds.) Relapse Prevention with Sex Offenders: A Sourcebook. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
Yates, P. M., Goguen, B. C., Nicholaichuk, T. P. et al. (2000). National Sex Offender Treatment: Program Manuals. Correctional Service of Canada.