Neuropsychological correlates in sexual and non-sexual offenders

In an attempt to replicate the findings of Yeudall et al.(1986) (Cited in Flor-Henry, 1987) the three neuropsychological measures which most significantly differentiated sex offenders from normal controls in that study (i.e., Coloured Progressive Matrices, Trail Making B, Williams Verbal Learning Test) were administered to three groups of subjects. An experimental group consisting of a homogeneous group of convicted sex offenders (child molesters) was compared to a group of non-violent non-sex prison controls as well as to a group of normal controls. Several background measures were also administered to all subjects to control for the effects of variables related to neuropsychological test performance. Results indicated that when the effects of the background variables were not included in the analyses the findings were in accord with those of Yeudall et al. (1986). On both the Coloured Progressive Matrices and Williams Verbal Learning Test the sex offenders scored significantly lower than normal controls. No differences were found between sex offenders and prison controls on any of these measures. When the effects of the background variables were controlled for, no differences emerged between any of the groups on any of the neuropsychological measures. The results do not support Flor-Henry's (1980, 1987) neuropsychological theory as to the etiology of the paraphilias

Psychosocial risk factors for HIV infection

A group of 21 HIV-positive gay or bisexual men was compared with a matched group of 22 HIV-negative individuals. All subjects were sexually active gay or bisexual males matched for age, as well as age at first intercourse with males. Subjects completed a detailed sexual history questionnaire as well as a series of standardized measures of psychosocial functioning. Results indicated that subjects engaged in a wide range of unsafe sexual behaviours, and frequently combined drugs with sex. Scores on the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) were significantly correlated with lifetime condom use. Social support was also found to be significantly associated with the lifetime number of homosexual partners. Regression analysis revealed a significant negative association between MAST scores and social support and a positive relationship between social support and CD-4 cell count. The groups were found to be similar in terms of clinical levels of anxiety and depression, self-esteem in interpersonal situations, and risk-taking personality