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Rethinking the Routine Provision of Psychotherapy to Children/Adolescents Labeled “Sexually Abused”;
International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy ;
3(1),
Whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, children labeled sexually abused are routinely offered treatment at considerable financial cost. One result of this is that mental health professionals are being charged with exploiting the problem of child sexual abuse (CSA). Is the routine provision of psychotherapy for children and adolescents labeled sexually abused warranted? In this paper, it is argued that the evidence indicates it is not warranted. Further, its provision is not in the best interests of either the children or mental health professionals. It is argued it is time to rethink the routine provision of psychotherapy to children and adolescents labeled sexually abuse. A number of recommendations are given which follow from the evidence. ...
A finding of guilt or substantiation does not necessarily mean that sexual abuse has in fact occurred. Professionals involved in protecting children will sometimes say that just because a case has not been substantiated does not mean that abuse has not occurred. But the contrary is at least equally true. ...
The evidence indicates that the impact of CSA has been greatly exaggerated ...
The widespread belief that CSA necessarily and usually causes psychological damage is a myth. ...
Not all sexual encounters between a child and an adolescent or an adult or between an adolescent and adult are abusive ...
Cognitive Attachment Therapy, was identified as having a substantial risk. It carried a significant risk of psychological and physical harm. ...
the evidence does not support the contention that therapy for children and adolescents labeled sexually abused is helpful. It may, in fact, be harmful. ...
The term “abuse” should be replaced by such terms as “experience” or “event,” until it is determined the event was in fact harmful or coercive. ...
The so-called abuse may be experienced positively by the child or adolescent.
Whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, children labeled sexually abused are routinely offered treatment at considerable financial cost. One result of this is that mental health professionals are being charged with exploiting the problem of child sexual abuse (CSA). Is the routine provision of psychotherapy for children and adolescents labeled sexually abused warranted? In this paper, it is argued that the evidence indicates it is not warranted. Further, its provision is not in the best interests of either the children or mental health professionals. It is argued it is time to rethink the routine provision of psychotherapy to children and adolescents labeled sexually abuse. A number of recommendations are given which follow from the evidence. ...
A finding of guilt or substantiation does not necessarily mean that sexual abuse has in fact occurred. Professionals involved in protecting children will sometimes say that just because a case has not been substantiated does not mean that abuse has not occurred. But the contrary is at least equally true. ...
The evidence indicates that the impact of CSA has been greatly exaggerated ...
The widespread belief that CSA necessarily and usually causes psychological damage is a myth. ...
Not all sexual encounters between a child and an adolescent or an adult or between an adolescent and adult are abusive ...
Cognitive Attachment Therapy, was identified as having a substantial risk. It carried a significant risk of psychological and physical harm. ...
the evidence does not support the contention that therapy for children and adolescents labeled sexually abused is helpful. It may, in fact, be harmful. ...
The term “abuse” should be replaced by such terms as “experience” or “event,” until it is determined the event was in fact harmful or coercive. ...
The so-called abuse may be experienced positively by the child or adolescent.
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Quotes from: Insecure Parental Attachment in Pedophiles
This proposal focuses on demonstrating a correlation between attachment deficits and pedophilia that has been neglected in the research to date. Prior research shows that there is a link between insecure parental attachment and individuals diagnosed with pedophilia, which can be an indicator of inappropriate relationships in adulthood such as romantic relations with a child.
Fifty incarcerated males who have been convicted of any sexual act involving a minor will be randomly assigned to either the standard cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) or CBT and interpersonal psychotherapy. They will be assessed pre- and post-treatment and over a period of 10 years.
It is hypothesized that the group who receives CBT and interpersonal psychotherapy will demonstrate lower levels of recidivism than the group with the standard CBT treatment. The implications of this research study would update and correct the flaws in the current sex offender treatment being used across the country, as well as state or federal policies regarding sexual offender treatment. [...]
There is a vast difference between child sex offenders and pedophiles.
Child sexual offender is a legal term that refers to anyone who has committed a sexual act involving a child [...]. A child sexual offender may have no direct desire or love for children [...]
In contrast, pedophilia is strictly a psychological term. The DSM-IV-TR defines pedophilia as recurrent sexual fantasies, urges, and/or behaviors that involve sexual activity with a prepubescent child, as well as if the individual has acted on these fantasies or urges [...].
However, there is also the possibility that an individual diagnosed with pedophilia can also be legally classified as a child sexual offender after engaging in pedophilic illegal behavior and being convicted.
[* Ipce remarks: This a a proposal for research, including 10 years controll for recidive; published in 2011, the results can be puiblished after 2021. However, the article gives a good overview of the literature about pedophila, attachment, treatment, recidive, and more.]
This proposal focuses on demonstrating a correlation between attachment deficits and pedophilia that has been neglected in the research to date. Prior research shows that there is a link between insecure parental attachment and individuals diagnosed with pedophilia, which can be an indicator of inappropriate relationships in adulthood such as romantic relations with a child.
Fifty incarcerated males who have been convicted of any sexual act involving a minor will be randomly assigned to either the standard cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) or CBT and interpersonal psychotherapy. They will be assessed pre- and post-treatment and over a period of 10 years.
It is hypothesized that the group who receives CBT and interpersonal psychotherapy will demonstrate lower levels of recidivism than the group with the standard CBT treatment. The implications of this research study would update and correct the flaws in the current sex offender treatment being used across the country, as well as state or federal policies regarding sexual offender treatment. [...]
There is a vast difference between child sex offenders and pedophiles.
Child sexual offender is a legal term that refers to anyone who has committed a sexual act involving a child [...]. A child sexual offender may have no direct desire or love for children [...]
In contrast, pedophilia is strictly a psychological term. The DSM-IV-TR defines pedophilia as recurrent sexual fantasies, urges, and/or behaviors that involve sexual activity with a prepubescent child, as well as if the individual has acted on these fantasies or urges [...].
However, there is also the possibility that an individual diagnosed with pedophilia can also be legally classified as a child sexual offender after engaging in pedophilic illegal behavior and being convicted.
[* Ipce remarks: This a a proposal for research, including 10 years controll for recidive; published in 2011, the results can be puiblished after 2021. However, the article gives a good overview of the literature about pedophila, attachment, treatment, recidive, and more.]
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Emerging Issues in Research on Lesbians’ and Gay Men’s Mental Health: Does Sexual Orientation Really Matter?;
American Psychologist;
932-947
Theoretical writings and research suggest that the onset, course, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders among lesbians and gay men differ in important ways from those of other individuals. Recent improvements in studies of sexual orientation and mental health morbidity have enabled researchers to find some elevated risk for stress-sensitive disorders that is generally attributed to the harmful effects of antihomosexual bias, Lesbians and gay men who seek mental health services must find culturally competent care within systems that may not fully address their concerns. The affirmative therapies offer a model for intervention, but their efficacy and effectiveness need to be empirically documented. Although methodological obstacles are substantial, failure to consider research questions in this domain overlooks the welfare of individuals who may represent a sizable minority of those accessing mental health services annually.
Theoretical writings and research suggest that the onset, course, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders among lesbians and gay men differ in important ways from those of other individuals. Recent improvements in studies of sexual orientation and mental health morbidity have enabled researchers to find some elevated risk for stress-sensitive disorders that is generally attributed to the harmful effects of antihomosexual bias, Lesbians and gay men who seek mental health services must find culturally competent care within systems that may not fully address their concerns. The affirmative therapies offer a model for intervention, but their efficacy and effectiveness need to be empirically documented. Although methodological obstacles are substantial, failure to consider research questions in this domain overlooks the welfare of individuals who may represent a sizable minority of those accessing mental health services annually.
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Preventing Sexual Abuse: Perspectives of Minor- Attracted Persons About Seeking Help;
Sexual Abuse
The primary aim of this exploratory research was to gain information from minor-attracted persons (MAPs) about their
(a) formal and informal experiences with help-seeking for minor attraction,
(b) perceived barriers to seeking help for concerns about minor attraction, and
(c) treatment priorities as identified by consumers of these services.
A nonrandom, purposive sample of MAPs (n = 293, 154 completed all questions) was recruited via an online survey.
Results show that 75% of participants did seek formal help from a professional; however, just less than half of them found the experience to be helpful. Characteristics of helpful therapeutic encounters included nonjudgmental attitudes, knowledge about minor attraction, and viewing clients in a person-centered and holistic way. Barriers to help seeking included uncertainty about confidentiality, fear of negative reaction or judgment, difficulties finding a therapist knowledgeable about MAPs, and financial constraints. Understanding or reducing attraction to minors were common treatment goals, but participants also prioritized addressing general mental health and well-being related to depression, anxiety, loneliness, and low self-esteem.
Implications for effective and ethical counseling and preventive interventions for MAPs are discussed.
The primary aim of this exploratory research was to gain information from minor-attracted persons (MAPs) about their
(a) formal and informal experiences with help-seeking for minor attraction,
(b) perceived barriers to seeking help for concerns about minor attraction, and
(c) treatment priorities as identified by consumers of these services.
A nonrandom, purposive sample of MAPs (n = 293, 154 completed all questions) was recruited via an online survey.
Results show that 75% of participants did seek formal help from a professional; however, just less than half of them found the experience to be helpful. Characteristics of helpful therapeutic encounters included nonjudgmental attitudes, knowledge about minor attraction, and viewing clients in a person-centered and holistic way. Barriers to help seeking included uncertainty about confidentiality, fear of negative reaction or judgment, difficulties finding a therapist knowledgeable about MAPs, and financial constraints. Understanding or reducing attraction to minors were common treatment goals, but participants also prioritized addressing general mental health and well-being related to depression, anxiety, loneliness, and low self-esteem.
Implications for effective and ethical counseling and preventive interventions for MAPs are discussed.
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A Blueprint When Feeling Blue: How A Mental Health Diagnosis Can Be Empowering
A Canadian study that was facilitated in 2001 explored factors in the lives of adults with a mental illness that influenced the degree of empowerment felt in their lives. Every participant was in some kind of mental health treatment (either therapy, medication management, a peer support group, or a combination of more than one treatment method). The study revealed that the two factors below had a significant influence on empowerment:
1.) Personal motivation: When consumers of mental health services were able to take more initiative in making choices, it resulted in improved confidence, skill development, and greater sense of control over their lives.
2.) Supportive Relationships: Consumers of mental health services reported feeling more empowered when their personal and professional relationships were supportive and fair. This resulted in increased participation and involvement in the community, particularly if they were able to connect with a community of peers who they saw on a regular basis.
I have actually witnessed the peer support models become increasingly common in the past decade and know of individuals who have discovered a sense of purpose once they become involved in peer support. These kinds of groups and relationships have the potential to offer mental health consumers a sense of connection that may be difficult to find elsewhere.
Giving and receiving mutual support to other with a mental illness can provide empowerment and a sense of purpose.
A Canadian study that was facilitated in 2001 explored factors in the lives of adults with a mental illness that influenced the degree of empowerment felt in their lives. Every participant was in some kind of mental health treatment (either therapy, medication management, a peer support group, or a combination of more than one treatment method). The study revealed that the two factors below had a significant influence on empowerment:
1.) Personal motivation: When consumers of mental health services were able to take more initiative in making choices, it resulted in improved confidence, skill development, and greater sense of control over their lives.
2.) Supportive Relationships: Consumers of mental health services reported feeling more empowered when their personal and professional relationships were supportive and fair. This resulted in increased participation and involvement in the community, particularly if they were able to connect with a community of peers who they saw on a regular basis.
I have actually witnessed the peer support models become increasingly common in the past decade and know of individuals who have discovered a sense of purpose once they become involved in peer support. These kinds of groups and relationships have the potential to offer mental health consumers a sense of connection that may be difficult to find elsewhere.
Giving and receiving mutual support to other with a mental illness can provide empowerment and a sense of purpose.
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Chemical interventions and ethical side-effects: from pedophilia to depression. Where are the ethical boundaries of treating mental illness by neurochemical means?
Increasing biochemical knowledge of sexual functionality and attraction has allowed researchers to tentatively deduce a chemical cause for pedophilia and initiate various biochemical treatments for this condition. The availability of such knowledge, along with the development of new pharmaceutical treatment options, opens up new legal and ethical questions regarding how to chemically treat sexual criminality and how we, as a society, should reflect upon the use of chemicals in the treatment for other forms of deviant behaviour.
[... D]espite the early evidence of effectiveness in treatment, it is unclear how SSRIs work in relation to the treatment of pedophilia. [...]
A further dilemma raised by the chemical treatment of pedophilia is the expectation of a permanent cure for this form of sexuality. Studies have demonstrated that pharmacological interventions do not change the pedophile's basic sexual orientation toward children. [...]
However, caution is required to make sure that we do not find ourselves dis-enhancing or normalising traits that are simply the tail ends of a normal range of personality traits
Increasing biochemical knowledge of sexual functionality and attraction has allowed researchers to tentatively deduce a chemical cause for pedophilia and initiate various biochemical treatments for this condition. The availability of such knowledge, along with the development of new pharmaceutical treatment options, opens up new legal and ethical questions regarding how to chemically treat sexual criminality and how we, as a society, should reflect upon the use of chemicals in the treatment for other forms of deviant behaviour.
[... D]espite the early evidence of effectiveness in treatment, it is unclear how SSRIs work in relation to the treatment of pedophilia. [...]
A further dilemma raised by the chemical treatment of pedophilia is the expectation of a permanent cure for this form of sexuality. Studies have demonstrated that pharmacological interventions do not change the pedophile's basic sexual orientation toward children. [...]
However, caution is required to make sure that we do not find ourselves dis-enhancing or normalising traits that are simply the tail ends of a normal range of personality traits