A discussion of early maladaptive schemas in men convicted sexual offenders in Poland

Introduction: This study aims to explore differences in the prevalence of early maladaptive schemas (EMS) in convicted sexual offenders (CSO's) as compared to the general male population (control group). Methods: The study included 102 men incarcerated for sexual offences and 167 men from a non-criminal population. The study used the Polish version of Young's schema questionnaire - YSQ-S3-PL. Results: The results demonstrated a higher degree of EMS severity in CSO except in the 'impaired limits' domain where non-criminal individuals scored higher. The individuals who have committed sexual offenses displayed more extensive and severe schemas than non-criminal / non-treated males (including more EMS doDiscussion: The study revealed nine early maladaptive schemas characterising the specific mind-set of male sex offender convicts. The results seem to illustrate well the genesis of the formation of a disordered personality as described by J. Young within the schema therapy concept. In the context of the cited studies, these structures - in addition to their important role in the development of psychopathology - appear to contribute to sexual offending. Conclusions: The conclusion emerging from the findings is that EMS are an important problem for Individuals involved in sexual offending. A consideration of these schemas in the psychotherapy of CSO's would help develop new and effective therapeutic protocols designed to treat that particular population and reduce the rate of repeat offending.