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Abel Assessment for Sexual Interest

The Abel Assessment for Sexual Interest is a test given that can help determine whether an individual is more or less likely to be attracted to certain attributes that would consider them a sex offender. It is used to provide the researcher with another additional source of risk assessment. It is also used to help disclosure and discuss the sexual interest that might otherwise be very hard to get in an interview with the individual being examined. The Abel Assessment for Sexual Interest was formed in 1995 (Abel, 1995) with the intent to help children from being the victims of sexual abuse and is an assessment that uses both objective and subjective data to measure a person’s sexual interest to various aspects. These are both beyond awareness and self-reported Information received from the Abel Assessment for Sexual Interest is used to better understand sexual arousal patterns in individuals. Those identified as having feelings of sexual interest in younger children or an interest in violence that is sexual as indicated by their past or “alleged” past behavior. The Abel Assessment for Sexual Interest is given in a manner that is not intrusive to the individual’s space which allows for better results. Using a two-part computerized test (Fracher) will show the subject that it is not too long where they might get agitated and not cooperate as well. Also having this done on the computer is a lot faster and easier then given a packet and pencil. This is used by an impressively large study sample which makes it very advanced. Extensive research with male, female, adolescent, and adult populations allows this test to be so thorough. Another version for individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ABID) is also available of the ABEL, called the Abel-Blasingame Assessment System. ("Colorado counseling and," 2009)  The Abel Assessment for Sexual Interest test can be administered in many languages including English, Spanish, or French to individuals that are at least twelve years or older. (Fracher) If it is taken any younger that twelve, the data collected isn’t as reliable and can’t accurately be used to help the individual with the disorder. The data from both portions of the test are electronically transmitted to Abel Screening where they are interpreted for processing. Because the test is administered on a computer rather than through an interview, it is a lot easier for person to acknowledge their offense patterns/ideas and provides a more reliable profile of the person. Also problems are pointed out that they are having and that need to be addressed somehow in any way possible.

The two-part examination includes an objective measure of sexual interest and self-reported questions. (Colorado counseling and, 2009)  This questionnaire provides information about sexual fantasies, attitudes about sex, and past sexual behavior. The objective portion of the test is designed to capture the person being examined deviant sexual interest while viewing some digital images. These images can include fully clothed adults, adolescents and children. Both the objective and the subjective (self-report) measures are looked at together to determine any problems or risks that may be influence the examinee's sexual drive. (colorado counseling and, 2009)  Comparing the person’s self-awareness and acknowledgement of sexual interest to the object is useful so that they may be helped to better understand and appreciate their sexuality and to correct any problems that may be developing, or already have. The test when given can take between one and two hours to complete. (colorado counseling and, 2009)

The Abel Assessment for Sexual Interest is an extremely useful instrument but it should always be used with other types of treatment. For instance as an adjunct tool within a large assessment or some type of therapy. “Its use should not be the only test for decisions in determining the intensity of supervision, level of behavioral restrictions, transitional planning processes, or progress and completion of treatment”. Although information obtained from the AASI will be looked at and used, the decision that will end up being used will always be the primary concern of the “multidisciplinary team” using as many resources and information available to the researchers at the present time the individual is being looked at.

In a study where the Abel Assessment for Sexual Interest was used, there were fifty six individuals that participated in the study. The participants ranged in age from eighteen to forty nine, where phallometric was introduced. (Gary O'Riley, Alan Carr, 2004) Each person was given four slides to view in each of the eleven categories that include males and females aging from four, eight, twelve, sixteen and twenty years old. I believe the researchers were studying the reactions of the individuals as well as the reaction time it took for them to react to the photos. The researchers said they felt their study was both non-intrusive to the individual and very effective as to where the information gathered can be used for determining ones sexual desires. (Gary O’Riley, Alan Carr, 2004) Visualization is important part in cognitive psychology. When the subject was given the photos to observe, he had to think about what was going on in the picture. The cost ranges from one thousand dollars to three thousand dollars. This is very expensive and most people and families do not have this kind of money to throw around. The tests are not covered by insurance which I can see why, because this is a touchy subject but I feel in the near future it should be covered because it is an illness which needs to be addressed. These tests are given by licensed mental health professionals by workers that work for ABEL screening incorporated. They are highly trained in this field and are not some prosecutor or police officer.

There are a few findings that have been concluded with this sexual test. Men who have sex with children are nearly always committing additional sex crimes. Results show a few different scenarios that could ultimately happen: Men who have sexual relations with children usually start that behavior before they are eighteen years of age. Also men who have sexual relations with children usually have at least three victims before they are eighteen years old which is shocking. To add to that, men who have sex with their own children are also most likely also having sex with many other children in a close proximity to where they are living. Male victims are at very high risk to become sexually attracted to children and to become child sexual abusers themselves if sexually abused at a young age while still in developmental stages.

References Abel, G. (1995). Abel screening. Fracher, C. the abel assessment for sexual interest. Gary O'Riley, Alan Carr, Initials. (2004). The handbook of clinical intervention with young people who sexually abuse. Colorado counseling and consulting services. (2009).