Sexualized attention: normal interaction or precursor to sexual abuse?

Sexualized attention is defined as a behavioral interaction between a caregiver and a preverbal child in which the adult appears to be sexually stimulated or involves the child in sexually stimulating games. Four cases involving parents whose infants had already exhibited physical signs of abuse or neglect are presented. Research and practice implications of this exploratory concept are discussed, and caution is urged with regard to its diagnostic application.