Graduation Year

2018

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Psychology

Reader 1

Stacey Wood

Reader 2

Judy LeMaster

Abstract

Given the high prevalence of sexual violence in modern society, treatment programs for perpetrators can always be improved. This study compares acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for the treatment of sexual violence perpetration. The sample of this proposed study will consist of male incarcerated perpetrators of sexual violence who have committed an offense against an adult. Participants will be randomly assigned to either ACT treatment or CBT treatment and will complete a 12-week program of their respective treatment. It is hypothesized that participants in the ACT treatment group will report lower antisocial tendencies and lower levels of experiential avoidance compared to the CBT treatment group. It is additionally hypothesized that the ACT group will exhibit less recidivism after three years of release than the CBT group. This research may hold significant implications for the treatment of sexual violence perpetration, and these implications are discussed.

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This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.

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