Age of Onset and Its Correlates in Men with Sexual Interest in Children
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Published on: June 20, 2020
1Institute for Sex Research and Forensic Psychiatry, Hamburg, Germany.
Introduction:
Current discussions in the field of sex research concern the age at which sexual interest in children occurred or awareness emerged.
Aim:
To investigate the age of onset (AOO) and its correlates in men with sexual interest in children.
Methods:
Using 2 samples (study 1, patients from an outpatient treatment center, n = 26; study 2, an online survey using 3 recruitment paths, n = 94), we assessed self-reported AOO of sexual interest in children, its flexibility, its exclusiveness, and individuals' motivation to change it. We further examined the interrelation between these variables.
Main Outcome Measure:
AOO as the self-reported age at which participants retrospectively felt sexually attracted to children for the first time.
Results:
We found broad ranges in AOO (study 1: mean 20.0 ± 10.7; study 2: mean 17.0 ± 8.7), flexibility, and exclusiveness (in studies 1 and 2, 7.7% and 22.3%, respectively, reported that their sexual interest is exclusively in children). The earlier participants felt sexually attracted to children for the first time, the more they were attracted exclusively in children and the less they perceived it to be flexible. Participants who reported rather exclusive sexual interest in children were less likely to perceive it as flexible. The more participants reported on flexibility, the more they were motivated to change it. The earlier participants of study 2 felt sexually attracted to children for the first time, the less they were motivated to change.
Clinical Implications:
The variety of our results indicates the contradiction of overall rules for individuals with sexual interest in children.
Strength & Limitations:
We included individuals with sexual interest in children from different contexts (eg, forensic vs non-forensic). Our results are in line with previous findings. However, both studies included rather small samples, limiting generalizability. There is not yet consent about how to operationalize AOO.
Conclusion:
We recommend a differentiated perspective on individuals with sexual interest in children and on different forms of pedophilia in the diagnostic construct. Tozdan S, Briken P. Age of Onset and Its Correlates in Men with Sexual Interest in Children.Sex Med 2019;7:61-71.
Insights
The age of onset for sexual interest in children varies significantly among men. Earlier onset correlates with more exclusive and less flexible sexual interest, influencing motivation for change.
Area of Science:
- Sexology
- Forensic Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Discussions in sex research often focus on the emergence of sexual interest in children.
- Understanding the age of onset (AOO) is crucial for characterizing this phenomenon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the age of onset (AOO) of sexual interest in children among men.
- To examine correlates of AOO, including sexual interest flexibility, exclusivity, and motivation to change.
Main Methods:
- Two samples were utilized: outpatient treatment center patients (n=26) and an online survey (n=94).
- Self-reported AOO, flexibility, exclusivity, and motivation to change were assessed.
- Interrelations between these variables were examined.
Main Results:
- Broad ranges in AOO were observed (Study 1: mean 20.0 ± 10.7; Study 2: mean 17.0 ± 8.7).
- Earlier AOO correlated with more exclusive and less flexible sexual interest.
- Greater perceived flexibility was associated with higher motivation to change.
Conclusions:
- Results suggest a need for a differentiated perspective on individuals with sexual interest in children.
- Findings indicate variability in the presentation of pedophilia, challenging generalized rules.
- A nuanced approach to the diagnostic construct of pedophilia is recommended.
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