Graduation Year

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor in Psychology (Psy. D.)

Abstract

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the importance and historical development of sex offender risk assessment, highlighting its critical role in managing public safety and guiding treatment interventions. This project traces the evolution of these assessments, from early methods focused on static risk factors to contemporary approaches that incorporate dynamic elements. The review discusses the most commonly used risk assessment tools for both adults and juveniles, evaluating their methodologies, strengths, and limitations. Assessments reviewed to be used with adults include the Static-99, Static-2002, Minnesota Sex Offender Screening Tool Revised (MNSOST-R), Rapid Risk Assessment for Sex Offence Recidivism (RRASOR), Sex Offender Risk Appraisal Guide (SORAG), Violence Risk Scale Sexual Offense Version (VRS-SO) and Sexual Violence Risk-20 (SVR-20). Juvenile assessments being reviewed include the Estimate of Risk of Adolescent Sexual Offense Recidivism (ERASOR), Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol-II (J-SOAP-II), and the Juvenile Sexual Offense Recidivism Risk Assessment Tool-II (JSORRAT-II). Relevant non-sexual assessments will also be explored, such as the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG), and the Historical Clinical Risk Management-20 (HCR-20). By examining the effectiveness of these instruments in predicting recidivism and informing rehabilitation strategies, this project underscores the ongoing need for empirical research and refinement in the field of forensic psychology to enhance risk assessment practices for sexual offenders.

Faculty Mentor

Dustin Wygant, PhD

Department Affiliation

Psychology

Committee Member

Rachel Ruholt-Nienaber, PsyD

Department Affiliation

External

Committee Member

Michael McClellan, PhD

Department Affiliation

Psychology

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