Phallometric assessment of sexual arousal: a review of validity and diagnostic issues

Merdian, Hannah Lena, Jones, David T., Morphett, Nicola A. C. and Boer, Douglas P. (2008) Phallometric assessment of sexual arousal: a review of validity and diagnostic issues. Sexual Abuse in Australia and New Zealand, 1 (1). pp. 38-43. ISSN 1833-8488

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Phallometric assessment of sexual arousal: a review of validity and diagnostic issues
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Abstract

While phallometric assessment of sexual offenders logically follows from sexual deviance theories of offending, we conclude that the evidence for this assessment process is inconsistent. A wide variety of methodologies, poorly specified and poorly chosen, or the absence of control groups has resulted in a fragmented literature in this area. Nonetheless, recent meta-analyses continue to portray sexual deviance (usually phallometrically determined) as the best predictor of future sexual violence. Recent studies have suggested that proxy measures of such deviance may provide sufficient evidence of deviance. We suggest that only by the use of research protocols with very rigorous methodology will the validity of phallometry be determined.

Additional Information:While phallometric assessment of sexual offenders logically follows from sexual deviance theories of offending, we conclude that the evidence for this assessment process is inconsistent. A wide variety of methodologies, poorly specified and poorly chosen, or the absence of control groups has resulted in a fragmented literature in this area. Nonetheless, recent meta-analyses continue to portray sexual deviance (usually phallometrically determined) as the best predictor of future sexual violence. Recent studies have suggested that proxy measures of such deviance may provide sufficient evidence of deviance. We suggest that only by the use of research protocols with very rigorous methodology will the validity of phallometry be determined.
Keywords:phallometric assessment, sexual arousal
Subjects:C Biological Sciences > C800 Psychology
C Biological Sciences > C890 Psychology not elsewhere classified
Divisions:College of Social Science > School of Psychology
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ID Code:4842
Deposited On:12 Jan 2012 20:49

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