EMPIRICAL AND THEORETICAL CONSIDERATIONS OF EMPATHY IN SEX OFFENDERS

This article examines the complex metacognitions necessary for a sex o ffender to achieve other-oriented empathy. Sex offender treatment prog rams appear to be leaching empathy without having a clear understandin g of the difference between self-oriented and other-oriented empathy a nd without tools to measure these deficits or change. Discussion of fa ctors necessary for formation of affective emotions is undertaken. The impact of shame on the capacity to experience one's own emotions is e xamined in relationship to childhood trauma. Recommendations are offer ed to enhance therapists' skills to foster empathy in sex offenders.