Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Reduce Sexual Offending Recidivism
Project CONSENT: a Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the Prevention of Sexual Recidivism
This study tests if a special therapy program called CONSENT can help reduce the chances of repeat sexual offenses among incarcerated men in Sweden.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 228 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Karolinska Institutet Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Stockholm, Stockholm County and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06098521 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial investigates the effects of a cognitive behavioral therapy program called CONSENT on reducing the risk of sexual recidivism among incarcerated men in Sweden. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the CONSENT program or a waiting list, with evaluations conducted through both professional assessments and self-reported questionnaires. The study aims to measure changes in dynamic risk factors for recidivism at two time points: immediately after the program and at a four-month follow-up. The primary focus is on whether the CONSENT program effectively lowers the risk of reoffending compared to those not receiving the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men aged 18 and older, currently imprisoned for sexual offenses, and assessed with an average or higher risk of recidivism.
Not a fit: Patients with severe psychiatric conditions or language barriers that hinder understanding of the program may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce the likelihood of reoffending among sexual offenders, enhancing public safety and aiding rehabilitation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for cognitive behavioral therapy in reducing recidivism rates among various offender populations, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
The study population is a subgroup of the study population in another study within the same project. Eligibility criteria for that study: Inclusion Criteria: * Men aged 18 and above sentenced to imprisonment within the Swedish Prison and Probation Service. * and offense falls under Chapter 6 of the Swedish Penal Code concerning sexual offenses or relates to child pornography offenses. * and risk of recidivism for sexual offenses is assessed as "average" or higher according to the Risk Matrix 2000. * and provided signed informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with apparent influence at the time of assessment due to severe psychiatric conditions such as pronounced psychotic symptoms or dementia. * or difficulties conducting interviews and self-assessments/surveys due to language barriers in understanding the Swedish language. * or difficulties in fully understanding the conditions for consenting to participate. Additional eligibility criteria for the current trial: Inclusion Criteria * Inclusion criteria for Consent are met: * and the risk of relapse in sexual offenses is assessed as average risk of relapse in sexual offenses with Risk Matrix 2000 * and the participant does not meet the inclusion criteria for SEIF (medium to high risk of relapse in sexual offenses and concurrent paraphilia and/or sexual preoccupation and/or emotional identification with children and/or extensive responsivity issues). * and a total score (all items included) on The Sex Offender Treatment Intervention and Progress Scale (SOTIPS) of ≤20 * and ≥9 months to halftime of sentence, when it becomes possible to apply for reintegration measures (including 12±2 weeks in the program and 4 weeks without the program, 16±2 weeks on the waitlist/follow-up, and time for assessment and inclusion) or ≥9 months left until conditional release and special conditions that state that reintegration measures are not allowed. * and written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria \- Any exclusion criteria for Consent are met: difficulties in understanding the program's content and carrying it out due to difficulties in understanding the Swedish language * or severe or ongoing unstable psychiatric conditions or other conditions that hinder participation (high suicide risk, significant psychotic symptoms, diagnosed intellectual disability, or other serious cognitive illness such as dementia) * or ongoing participation in another psychological program. If potential research subjects have other programs in their sentence plan, participation in the study will be prioritized if it is deemed appropriate in individual cases.
Where this trial is running
Stockholm, Stockholm County and 1 other locations
- Karolinska Institutet — Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden (Recruiting)
- Swedish Prison and Probation Service — Norrköping, Sweden (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Christoffer Rahm, M.D., Ph.D. — Karolinska Institutet
- Study coordinator: Johanna Lätth, MSc Psych
- Email: johanna.latth@ki.se
- Phone: +46725301590
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.