Mandatory Group Therapy for Exhibitionists
JAMES L. MATHIS M.D.1, and
MABELLE COLLINS M.D.2
1 Associate professor of psychiatry, Rutgers University School of Medicine, New Brunswick, N. J. 08903
2 Assistant professor of psychiatry, University of Oklahoma Medical Center, and assistant chief of psychiatry, VA Hospital, Oklahoma City, Okla.
The authors describe a program of group therapy for men arrested for exhibitionism. The program was based on three factors: mandatory attendance, common patient goals and symptoms, and male and female co-therapists. The thesis is that external pressure is needed to prevent the exhibitionist from using his pathological denial system to escape treatment prematurely. At least six months' attendance is desirable. The common goals and symptoms allowed focusing of group interaction.
