Predicting treatment outcome for child sexual abusers

Falling apart: a process integral to the remodeling of male incest offenders

This article describes the falling apart component of a theoretical framework for incest offenders, the remodeling process. Methodology included 20 audiotaped interviews, 65 direct observations during group therapy, and record analysis of a theoretical sampling of adult male incest offenders currently in, graduates of, and dropouts from a community sexual abuse treatment program. Constant comparative analysis was used to collect and analyze data concurrently. Falling apart, a dynamic multifaceted process, occurs first when offenders are discovered, can be life-threatening, and few resources are presently available. Dimensions, properties, strategies, and contexts are discussed.