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Persistence of problematic sexual behaviors in children

Mireille Lévesque1, Marc Bigras, Robert Pauzé

  • 1Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada. mirelevesque@gmail.com

Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology : the Official Journal for the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, American Psychological Association, Division 53
|March 16, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Exposure to sexualized behaviors within the family predicts the persistence of problematic sexual behaviors (PSB) in children. Externalizing problems and somatic complaints also correlate with ongoing PSB.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Forensic Psychology

Background:

  • Problematic sexual behaviors (PSB) in children are a significant concern.
  • Understanding the factors contributing to the persistence of PSB is crucial for intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify personal and family predictors and correlates of the persistence of problematic sexual behaviors (PSB) in children.
  • To examine the longitudinal relationship between family environment and child PSB.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of 49 children (ages 4-11) referred by Child Protective Services.
  • Caregiver interviews and questionnaires administered at two time points, 1 year apart.
  • Statistical analysis to identify predictors and correlates of PSB persistence.

Main Results:

  • 43% of children exhibited persistent PSB over the 1-year study period.
  • Greater exposure to family sexualized behaviors significantly predicted PSB persistence.
  • Externalizing problems and somatic complaints were associated with PSB, but maltreatment subtypes were not predictive.

Conclusions:

  • Family exposure to sexualized behaviors is a key predictor of persistent problematic sexual behaviors in children.
  • Externalizing behaviors and somatic complaints are correlates of PSB.
  • Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay of factors influencing PSB persistence.

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