LONG-TERM RECIDIVISM OF CHILD MOLESTERS

We examined the long-term recidivism rates of 197 child molesters rele ased from prison between 1958 and 1974. Overall, 42% of the total samp le were reconvicted for sexual crimes, violent crimes, or both, with 1 0% of the total sample reconvicted 10-31 years after being released. I ncest offenders were reconvicted at a slower rate than were offenders who selected only boys, with offenders against girls showing a rate in termediate between these two groups. Other factors associated with inc reased recidivism were (a) never being married and (b) previous sexual offenses. None of the mental health and personality tests used in thi s study (e.g., the Eysenck Personality Inventory and the Minnesota Mul tiphasic Personality Inventory) was significantly associated with reci divism.