THE ABSTINENCE VIOLATION EFFECT IN CHILD MOLESTERS

The reformulation of the abstinence violation effect (AVE) is briefly described together with the empirical support for the construct. Twenty-six incarcerated male child molesters were assessed, using the Differential Emotions Scale and the Attributional Dimension Scale, at three points (high-risk, lapse, and relapse) while they listened to an audiotaped recording of a description of their most typical offense chain. Eighteen Ss experienced an AVE at the point of relapse and 7 as a result of lapse. There were significant increases in most negative emotions and decreases in interest over the relapse chain. There were significantly higher disgust, contempt, hostility, fear, shame, shyness and anger scores reported by those showing an AVE. Conversely, the AVE group showed significantly lower scores for joy and surprise. There were no significant differences on any of the 4 attributional dimensions across the relapse process but those showing an AVE reported significantly more uncontrollability and higher stability scores. The significance of these results for clinical practice are discussed.