Characteristics of preschool-age children who engage in problematic sexual behaviors with siblings

Problematic sexual behavior (PSB) between siblings can be a form of sibling sexual abuse (SSA). A notable gap in research are studies examining PSB among preschool-age children with siblings.

This study examined the impact of child maltreatment, exposure to family sexuality, and use of coercive sexual behavior on preschool-aged children PSB with siblings and with nonsiblings.

All 284 children were ages 3-6 years with PSB who had siblings in the home (197 initiated PSB with siblings and 87 initiated PSB with non-siblings).

The two groups were compared on types of PSB, use of coercion, child maltreatment history, exposure to family sexuality, and caregiver attitudes. Caregiver report measures were the Child Sexual Behavior Inventory- Third Edition (CSBI-III), the Family Sexuality Index, and intake form on maltreatment experienced (i.e., physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, exposure to domestic violence, caregiver drug use, and failure to protect).

Maltreatment history was significant, t(258) = -3.36, p < .001; sibling initiators were associated with higher rates of sexual and physical abuse, and neglect than non-sibling. Exposure to family sexuality was significant with non-sibling initiators demonstrating greater exposure than the sibling group, t(282) = 2.66, p = .008. There was no significance between groups for types of PSB including use of coercion.

Results illuminated unique dynamics of PSB with siblings of preschool-aged children. A developmental framework integrating child maltreatment, impulsivity, environmental factors, and capabilities are key considerations for conceptualization, prevention, and response that is distinct from SSA of adolescents.