Social networks and social support in a sample of mentally ill sex offenders

OBJECTIVE: Characteristics of social networks and social support were investigated in a group of 35 imprisoned mentally ill sex offenders. METHODS: We compared current parameters (after an average of 3 years of psychosocial therapy) with those at the time of the offence. RESULTS: Analyses reveal a decrease in social network size but an increase in social support by the remaining or new social network members. These changes are discussed in reference to various influencing variables in a therapeutic prison facility. The impact of psychosocial interventions in relapse prevention of sexual offenders will be outlined.