Role of Parents Studied

Child molesters have a stronger relationship to their mothers during childhood than rapists do, a study of sex offenders suggests.

Researchers at the North Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center interviewed 64 convicted sex offenders--21 rapists and 43 child molesters, Psychiatric News has reported.

“Whereas the general pattern with both groups is characterized by a lack of fathering,” the study said, “the pattern of the child molester is characterized by a singular degree of closeness and attachment to the mother.

“Almost 83% of this group claimed to have had a close or very close relationship with their mother.” Still, only 25% said they thought they could discuss their problems with their mothers.

Possible Dependency

The researchers said the attachment to mothers “may indicate dependency conflicts that were never resolved.” Dr. George W. Barnard and several colleagues presented their findings to the American Academy of Psychiatry and Law last year.

Other findings:

--About one-third of the rapists had been expelled from elementary school.

--About 40% of each group reported having been physically abused by their parents.