Item – Theses Canada

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OCLC number
46572884
Link(s) to full text
LAC copy
LAC copy
Author
Curwen, Tracey,1968-
Title
Utility of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index in measuring differences in empathy among adolescent male sex offenders.
Degree
M.A. -- University of Toronto, 1997
Publisher
Ottawa : National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, [1999]
Description
1 microfiche.
Notes
Includes bibliographical references.
Abstract
The Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) has become a popular measure of empathy with sex offenders; however, little is known of its reliability and validity in clinical populations. The purpose of the study was to determine the IRI's utility with adolescent sex offenders and to examine differences in empathy among groups of offenders based on characteristics of their offenses. Offenders completed measures including the Assessing Environments III; the Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory; the Multiphasic Sex Inventory; the Family-of-Origin scale; the Rape Myth Acceptance Scale; the Acceptance of Interpersonal Violence Scale; and the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale. Therapist ratings of victim empathy, level of violence, and denial were collected. Moderate internal consistency was established for the IRI, and scores from 123 adolescent offenders were examined. Age and socially desirable responding contributed significantly to IRI scores, and victim empathy was not related to IRI scores. Group differences in empathy were not found when offenders were contrasted with respect to a history of sexual or physical victimization, or when offenders were compared with respect to the age or gender of their victims. Extrafamilial offenders reported more Empathic Concern and Perspective-Taking when compared to offenders who assaulted both within and outside the family. Justifications for sexual violence were related to Empathic Concern and Personal Distress. Violent offenders reported more Empathic Concern and Perspective-Taking, and a generally hostile temperament was related to Empathic Concern, Perspective-Taking, and Fantasy. Family environment and relationship variables were not related to IRI scores. Researchers using the IRI with sex offenders should be cautious of the influence of age and socially desirable responding. IRI scores seem to be affected by the social desirability response bias and ate unrelated to ratings of victim empathy; therefore, these results suggest that the IRI may not elicit adequate knowledge about the empathy of adolescent male sex offenders.
ISBN
0612287033
9780612287037