FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SINGAPOREANS' ATTITUDES TOWARDS GENERAL OFFENDERS AND SEX OFFENDERS.

Abstract

This study explored factors associated with Singaporeans' attitudes towards sex offenders and offenders in general. The study looked at the variables of age, empathy, and fear of crime as possible factors related to people's attitudes towards both types of offenders. Age was found to be negatively correlated with people's attitudes towards offenders in general but not for sex offenders. Furthermore, older Singaporeans were found to be less fearful of crime and younger Singaporeans tend to have higher empathy levels. Mediation analysis revealed that empathy mediated the relationship between age and peoples attitudes towards offenders in general. Fear of crime was not a mediator between age and attitudes towards both types of offenders. This study suggests that policy-makers might consider appealing to younger adults sense of empathy in order to change Singaporean public's attitudes towards offenders.