Abstract
Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the nature of individual attitudes toward sex offenders. Because the term "sex offender" tends to evoke strong emotions, and given that open-ended self reports tend to be highly subjective, particularly in the context of such pointed terminology, this study sought to develop an attitude assessment tool that addresses specific domains found in the literature. Methods: Through a number of iterations, the Community Attitudes Toward Sex Offenders Scale was developed. Results: Exploratory and subsequent confirmatory factor analyses found a four-factor, 18-item version to best represent the domains of interest. Factor and item characteristics are reported. Conclusions: Replication and extension to other populations appears warranted.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 251-259 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Research on Social Work Practice |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 2008 |
Keywords
- Assessment
- Attitudinal scales
- Instrument development
- Sex offenders
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
- Sociology and Political Science
- General Psychology