Pedophilic episodes in middle age and senescence: an intergenerational encounter

The study of pedophilic episodes in later life shows how acting out in a particular emotional context can help the offender to reorganize his life. After reviewing 36 cases referred to the McGill Clinic in Forensic Psychiatry between 1980-1989, a previous history of offender victimization was found in 12 cases. Careful analysis of all the cases showed reactivation of conflict in their family of procreation in 34 cases. Various psychodynamic hypotheses are suggested through the longitudinal history of the perpetrator and the nature of the relationship between victim and perpetrator. Analysis of a longitudinal follow-up in 26 cases suggests that through various mechanisms of organization, disorganization and reorganization, the pedophilic episode represented an opportunity for these middle-aged and senescent pedophiles to resolve some issues underlying their pedophilic interests, leading to a higher level of maturity, thereby preventing relapse of pedophilic episodes.