Prospect of using schema therapy in working with sex offenders. / Perspektywa zastosowania terapii schematów w pracy ze sprawcami przestepstw seksualnych.

The search for effective methods of treating sex offenders is essential in order to reduce the risk of their subsequent sexual offences. This article presents Jeffrey Young's concept of Schema Therapy with a discussion on the appropriateness of its use in the treatment of those who engage in problematic sexual behaviour directed against sexual freedom. Such behaviours are prohibited by law and are connected to committing crimes set out in Chapter XXV of the Penal Code (including rape, exploitation of helplessness, abuse of dependence relation, sexual act with a minor under 15 years of age). The article presents the main assumptions of schema therapy. Then, with reference to the main assumptions of this therapeutic approach, a theoretical model of schema therapy in the context of violent sexual behaviour is proposed and discussed. The authors also attempted to analyze the mechanism of formation and perpetuation of deviant criminal behaviors in the context of key constructs of this approach, such as: early maladaptive schemas, schema modes, and coping styles. As Schema Therapy has proven to be effective in treating chronic personality aspects of disorders, often underlying the sexual pathology of the sex offenders, this approach seems to be a promising trend for such a difficult population of people.

Polish adaptation of the Young Schema Questionnaire 3 Short Form (YSQ-S3-PL). / Polska adaptacja i walidacja krótkiej wersji Kwestionariusza Schematów Younga (YSQ- S3-PL).

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to prepare the Polish adaptation of the Young Schema Questionnaire S3-PL. The scale is a self-assessment tool designed to measure 18 early maladaptive schemas. METHODS: The sample consists of 1,529 adults (927 women and 585 men), aged 18-85 years (mean age was 32 years), from non-clinical groups. RESULTS: After language validation the internal consistency was assessed. The Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.62 (Entitlement/grandiosity) to 0.81 (Failure), and it was 0.96 for total score. The best solution obtained in exploratory factor analysis was an eight-factor model, instead of the assumed 18-factor structure. Confirmatory factor analysis also did not fully supported Young's theoretical model. From all the tested models, bi-factor model (i.e., one generic factor and correlated specific factors - schemas) fitted the data best. In accordance with this model schema variance is explained concurrently by generic and specific factors; generic factor explains most of the Defectiveness variance, while only slightly - Self-sacrifice variance. Convergent validity analysis confirmes positive medium correlations with scales measuring psychopathology. Similarly, negative correlations with self-efficacy and optimism indicate good divergent validity. CONCLUSIONS: The psychometric characteristics of the Polish adaptation of the YSQ-S3PL is similar to those reported for other language versions. The results allow to recommend the method for scientific research. However, using it in therapeutic practice needs caution - especially in the case of clinical diagnosis. Further analyses are necessary to assess criterion validity and discriminative power in clinical settings.