The Relationship Between Juvenile Sex Offender Registration and Depression in Adulthood

The Relationship Between Juvenile Sex Offender Registration and Depression in Adulthood by Sharon E. Denniston MCIS, Cleveland State University BSNMT, Ferris State University Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University January 2016 Abstract Accounts of sexual abuse appear daily in the media. Rightfully, this issue demands attention. Juveniles may be victims; they may also be offenders who are subject to sex offender registration and notification (SORN) policies. Growing research finds that SORN policies fail to achieve intended public policy outcomes. Little is known, however, about the unintended consequences of SORN for juvenile offenders. This study contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of these policies on thisAccounts of sexual abuse appear daily in the media. Rightfully, this issue demands attention. Juveniles may be victims; they may also be offenders who are subject to sex offender registration and notification (SORN) policies. Growing research finds that SORN policies fail to achieve intended public policy outcomes. Little is known, however, about the unintended consequences of SORN for juvenile offenders. This study contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of these policies on this population. Merton’s concept of manifest and latent functions of “purposive social action” and an alternate non-criminogenic form of Lemert’s secondary deviance proposition provided the theoretical framework. Research questions focused on whether a relationship exists between sex offender registration for a juvenile offense and severity of depression in current and former registrants after maturation into adulthood, and whether the relationship persists. A quantitative causal-comparative study was conducted using self-reported survey data from a non-probability sample of 59 registrants. Multiple regression analysis found SORN had a significant positive predictive relationship to severity of depression in adults currently registering for a juvenile offense as compared to former registrants, and the control group of those never registered, as measured by the Public Health Questionaire-9. A significant persistent depressive effect was not found in former registrants. Findings validate concerns that SORN may have iatrogenic effects for juvenile offenders; these findings also suggest that alternate, non-criminogenic forms of secondary deviancy appear to be associated with this policy. This understanding of the net effects of SORN informs policy decision makers and has social change implications for future sexual abuse prevention policies that may have greater likelihood of efficacy. The Relationship Between Juvenile Sex Offender Registration and Depression in Adulthood by Sharon E. Denniston MCIS, Cleveland State University BSNMT, Ferris State University Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University January 2016 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC. ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, MI 48106 1346 ProQuest 3745677 Published by ProQuest LLC (2016). Copyright of the Dissertation is held by the Author. ProQuest Number: 3745677