Cognitive Performance and Personality Traits of Individuals Convicted of Committing Sexual Violence Against Children and Adolescents

The aim of this study was to verify the cognitive performance and personality traits of individuals convicted of committing sexual violence against children and adolescents. The sample was 217 participants, average age was 49 years and poor education. Rape (49.8%) and sexual abuse (47%) were the most frequent crimes. Main victims (93%) were girls about 10-years-old who were known by their aggressors. Cognitively, difficulties were observed in visuoconstruction skills, planning, ability to perform tasks and apply problem-solving strategies, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. Regarding personality traits, low levels of openness to experience, high conscientiousness and failures of impulse control were observed.