posted 11-25-2008 08:44 PM         

(1) Since X, have you used any feminine hygiene products for masturbation?
(2) Since X, have you used feminine hygiene products to aid in masturbation?

(1) Since X, have you used cigarettes during masturbation?
(2) Since X, have you used cigarettes to aid in masturbation?

Valid or Invalid?

More details to follow.

posted 11-25-2008 09:28 PM            

The proposed model policy seems to require that PCSOT questions pertain to the terms and conditions of probation or the treamtent contract.

Unless, of course, those behaviors are stipulated in the written contracts. In which case, the questions would make a valid exam.

Validity is elusive stuff...

evidently not determined by the questions themselves but by the paperwork surrounding the questions.

.012

r

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"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here. This is the war room."
--(Stanley Kubrick/Peter Sellers - Dr. Strangelove, 1964)

posted 11-26-2008 10:33 AM         

You’re always the pessimist. Here is the background information:

Regarding feminine hygiene products:

Historical information: Individual has a history of using used feminine products (i.e. used tampons, tampon dispensers, pads, toilet paper, etc.) to aid in masturbation. Historically, this is a very problematic behavior for the individual as it was correlated with the instant offense (i.e. pre-offense behavior). Additionally, the individual has a lengthy history of other similar behaviors. Although the behavior in not necessarily illegal behavior, it is overtly invasive and inappropriate.

Reason for examination: Individual was witnessed entering unisex restroom on multiple occasions after specific persons left the restroom. There was an inherent concern the individual was engaging in this behavior. When confronted about this information, he admitted sifting through a garbage can on one occasion after he stated he dropped a personal item in it. Initially, he denied looking for or accessing any feminine hygiene products.

Pretest Interview: The individual admitted that while looking through the garbage for their person item (i.e. keys), they saw a tampon dispenser. Denied using the item or any other feminine product for masturbation.

Test Results: Individual demonstrated significant physiological responses to the relevant questions.

Post-Test: The individual admitted looking through garbage cans in search of feminine products. Additionally, the individual admitted they were targeting several individual females and that fantasies alone were no longer arousing for masturbation. Therefore, they needed additional stimulation. Subsequently, the individual admitted they had determined the menstrual cycle of the targeted females and would look for these items around the same time each month, take them, and use them for masturbation.

Results: Individual was in cycle and the escalation of risk was notable. The test questions targeted a specific behavior known to be an antecedent of offense behavior. Although there was no specific term or condition in his treatment contract, the issue was significant to both probation and treatment. Further, the subsequent admission regarding the behaviors led to significant modifications in treatment and additional stipulations were made by probation.

Therefore, I disagree. The examination was methodologically sound and the relevant questions were specific to an individual behavior. The information demonstrated significant importance to the treatment team. The individual knew the purpose and importance of the examination, as it had been a topic of discussion on several occasions. The individual knew if they admitted engaging in this behavior they would face consequences.

posted 11-26-2008 11:28 AM            

I'm optimistic that if we can achieve a morse useful long-term model policy if we can get enough intelligent and independent thinkers looking at the proposed PCSOT changes.

I am aware that we see people with all kinds of preoccupation, compulsivity, and anxiety loadings.

There is no question these questions have value - pass or fail they add incremental validity to the team's understanding of and response to the issues of concern.

It would be a shame to be prohibited from doing good work like this because the standards permit only questions pertaining to the written contracts. We will then have left a principle-centered approach, and we'll need treatment and supervision contracts that read like commercial lease agreements.

Good work.

r

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"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here. This is the war room."
--(Stanley Kubrick/Peter Sellers - Dr. Strangelove, 1964)

posted 11-26-2008 11:41 AM         

Thank you. I understand you are not a pessimist and are attempting to insight conversation…just giving you a hard time. More to follow…but first I need to conduct an examination.

Marty

posted 11-26-2008 10:52 PM            

Each examinee is behaviorally/sexually different and may have various paraphilias/fetishes that the treatment team is concerned about. I would hate to have to explain to the therapist that we cannot ask about things such as feminine hygiene products because it would be an invalid test. Any concern that the therapist has relating to treatment and/or supervision I would think is valid.
Whether it be pre-offending behavior or active offending behavior, we need to be able to ask these questions. My thoughts...

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"Truth Seekers"