Marshall and barbaree's integrated theory of child sexual abuse: A Critique

Abstract

The aim of the current article is to critically examine an extremely influential multi-factorial theory of child molestation, Marshall and Barbaree's (1990) integrated theory. This powerful model was developed as a general theory of sexual offending and used to explain the onset of child sexual abuse in addition to other forms of sexual deviance. Despite its prominent status the adequacy of its basic ideas have never been systematically evaluated. First, I describe the integrated theory in detail and outline its core assumptions. Next, these ideas are subject to critical analysis and I highlight its strengths and weaknesses. Finally, I conclude with some brief comments about the model and the role of theory development in the sexual offending area.     

Economic diplomacy and political leadership: An alternative foreign policy vision for South Africa

The article suggests that strategies for African engagement can no longer take sweeping views of the continent but need to differentiate policy responses. It also suggests that the real key to improving Africa lies with African leadership rather than external agencies and assistance.     

Surveying the terrain: Current issues in the prevention and management of sexually abusive behaviour by males

Abstract

This paper focuses on critical issues and challenges concerning five areas: the prevention of sexually aggressive behaviour; inter-agency collaboration; groupwork programmes for adult offenders; eligibility levels regarding services for adolescent offenders; and professional issues.

Key messages which emerge are: the need to prevent punitive parenting in early childhood; the importance of healthy intra-agency processes as a foundation for effective inter-agency working; ensuring careful selection of clients for groupwork programmes; developing a tiered set of service thresholds for adolescent offenders; and the need to sustain the emotional responsiveness of staff.