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Phallometric Testing
Phallometric testing using the penile plethysmograph involves the measurement of
changes in penile circumference in response to sexual and nonsexual stimuli. Phallometric testing provides objective information about male sexual interests,
and is therefore useful for identifying deviant sexual interests. (ATSA
Practice Standards and Guidelines)
The
major advantages:
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Identify individuals
who show excessive arousal in response to stimuli associated with sexual
abuse. |
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Identify lack of
sexual arousal to stimuli of consenting sexual relations. |
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Identify offenders
whose arousal disorder indicates the need for specialized therapies (e.g.
behavioral, hormonal). |
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Data may assist in
minimizing distortions evident in self-reported levels of sexual arousal. |
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Evaluation of
therapeutic efficacy (best for behavior therapy); and |
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Enhancement of some
forms of behavior therapy. |
Testing Process:
There
are three phases of a Phallometric Test. These phases are described below:
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Interview Phase:
During this phase, the examinee (person being tested) will be asked questions
about their sexual interests and behaviors, as well as be informed about the
testing procedure. |
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In-test Phase: This
phase is conducted in the laboratory. The examinee is in a private room. He
is instructed on how to place the penile transducer on his penis. He then
views and listens to various stimulus materials. As different stimulus
material is presented, he may experience varying levels of sexual
arousal—which is recorded on a moving chart in a separate room. |
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Post-test Phase: The
data collected in the in-test phase is interpreted and reviewed with the
examinee. |
Cautions:
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Phallometric test
results should not be used to make inferences about whether an individual has
or has not committed a specific sexual crime; and |
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Phallometric testing
should not be used as the sole criterion for estimating risk for engaging in
sexually abusive behavior. |
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Patrick
B. McGinnis, PhD, LMHC