The relationship between psychometric test scores and reconviction in sexual offenders undertaking treatment

• Examines the utility of psychometrics in predicting sexual offender recidivism.
• Previous research suggests that psychometrics can have predictive power.
• Summarises four large studies conducted recently in the United Kingdom.
• Pre-treatment scores may be more predictive than post-treatment scores.
• Scores clustered into risk domains may have better predictive power.
• Many factors may contribute to the findings of these studies and others.
• Further research is required to develop and test a smaller battery of psychometrics.

The evidence is mixed regarding the utility of psychometric test scores in prediction of the likelihood of sexual reoffending. This paper summarizes the research examining the relationship between psychometric measures and sexual recidivism, before detailing the findings of four large-scale studies in England and Wales, and comparing the findings of these studies to similar studies from other countries. The implications of the evidence to date are discussed, and recommendations are made for the future of psychometric testing as a way of determining risk of recidivism, dynamic risk factors, change over treatment, and the efficacy of rehabilitative programs.