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Raunch or romance?
This article explores the relationship between the media and young people’s sexual health as articulated within public health policy in the United Kingdom. It argues that this relationship is largely framed by covert moralism and by a focus on media effect and exposure and sexual risk and harm. Through the presentation of preliminary findings from my own research, which is situated at the intersection between public health, and media and cultural studies, I argue that this framing may in fact constrict and even contain the sexual agency, health and sexual expression of young people. I suggest that this is incongruent with the World Health Organization working definition of sexual health and has implications for sex education, sex educators and practitioners and policy-makers. I conclude by suggesting that the relationship between sexualized culture and the sexual health of young people may be best understood in terms of competency and considered within a pleasure and rights based definition of sexual health.
This article explores the relationship between the media and young people’s sexual health as articulated within public health policy in the United Kingdom. It argues that this relationship is largely framed by covert moralism and by a focus on media effect and exposure and sexual risk and harm. Through the presentation of preliminary findings from my own research, which is situated at the intersection between public health, and media and cultural studies, I argue that this framing may in fact constrict and even contain the sexual agency, health and sexual expression of young people. I suggest that this is incongruent with the World Health Organization working definition of sexual health and has implications for sex education, sex educators and practitioners and policy-makers. I conclude by suggesting that the relationship between sexualized culture and the sexual health of young people may be best understood in terms of competency and considered within a pleasure and rights based definition of sexual health.
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Pedophilia: Diagnostic concept, treatment and ethical considerations
This paper serves to broaden the base of our knowledge in regard to an adult's sexual attraction to a child and helps us differentiate between the perpetrator and his offense. It is a conceptual work, exploring the nature of pedophilia, its etiology, manifestation, diagnosis, and treatment which encompasses both clinical and ethical considerations. ...
Dr. Berlin and Mr. Krout's paper brings clarity, order, understanding, and hope. It is only through understanding and with understanding that we will find the way to help perpetrators inhibit unwanted pedophilic inclinations. ...
This paper is an important contribution to the sparse literature on a serious subject.
[... ... ...]
Although it is not the pedophiles fault that he has the sexual orientation that he has, it is his responsibility to deal with his sexuality in a manner that does not put innocent children at risk. However, in order for him to be able to do this and to be held accountable by society, adequate treatment facilities must be made available, facilities where a person can seek help without fear of stigmatization, ridicule, retaliation, or unwarranted disdain. Only under such circumstances can one expect an individual to talk candidly about the innermost aspects of his own sexuality. This requires trust. The values that we try to in still in our children are important. [...] ...values such as compassion, understanding, forgiveness, and reformation. ... persons [should] be judged not simply by their behavior but with some appreciation for their humanity.
This paper serves to broaden the base of our knowledge in regard to an adult's sexual attraction to a child and helps us differentiate between the perpetrator and his offense. It is a conceptual work, exploring the nature of pedophilia, its etiology, manifestation, diagnosis, and treatment which encompasses both clinical and ethical considerations. ...
Dr. Berlin and Mr. Krout's paper brings clarity, order, understanding, and hope. It is only through understanding and with understanding that we will find the way to help perpetrators inhibit unwanted pedophilic inclinations. ...
This paper is an important contribution to the sparse literature on a serious subject.
[... ... ...]
Although it is not the pedophiles fault that he has the sexual orientation that he has, it is his responsibility to deal with his sexuality in a manner that does not put innocent children at risk. However, in order for him to be able to do this and to be held accountable by society, adequate treatment facilities must be made available, facilities where a person can seek help without fear of stigmatization, ridicule, retaliation, or unwarranted disdain. Only under such circumstances can one expect an individual to talk candidly about the innermost aspects of his own sexuality. This requires trust. The values that we try to in still in our children are important. [...] ...values such as compassion, understanding, forgiveness, and reformation. ... persons [should] be judged not simply by their behavior but with some appreciation for their humanity.
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Adult Sex Offencer Recidivism: A Review of Studies
The article:
Sex offenders may reoffend, even after they have been convicted and imprisoned. This conduct is known as recidivism. Research on sex offender recidivism can help the public and policymakers understand the risks posed by convicted sex offenders. This paper summarizes the major research findings related to sex offender recidivism.
Only a few studies on sex offenders have been conducted with scientific precision. Thus, the conclusions that can be drawn from this literature are somewhat limited [...].
According to this classification, offenders who commit the offense of rape of a child are classified as pedophiles. In most studies, and in this paper, the term child molester is used for pedophile. [... ... ...]
While some studies have shown that particular treatment programs are associated with lower recidivism rates in certain types of sex offenders, there is a lack of solid scientific evidence (from controlled experimental studies) that clearly proves treatment programs reduce sex offender recidivism. [...]
Comment by Ipce:
[...] Classifying (a) raping of a child and child molester and (b) pedophile in one category is a great bias. Raping and molesting are criminal acts forbidden by law, but having pedophile feelings and desires without acting in a pedosexual way cannot be, and is not forbidden by any law in any country. [...]
The article:
Sex offenders may reoffend, even after they have been convicted and imprisoned. This conduct is known as recidivism. Research on sex offender recidivism can help the public and policymakers understand the risks posed by convicted sex offenders. This paper summarizes the major research findings related to sex offender recidivism.
Only a few studies on sex offenders have been conducted with scientific precision. Thus, the conclusions that can be drawn from this literature are somewhat limited [...].
According to this classification, offenders who commit the offense of rape of a child are classified as pedophiles. In most studies, and in this paper, the term child molester is used for pedophile. [... ... ...]
While some studies have shown that particular treatment programs are associated with lower recidivism rates in certain types of sex offenders, there is a lack of solid scientific evidence (from controlled experimental studies) that clearly proves treatment programs reduce sex offender recidivism. [...]
Comment by Ipce:
[...] Classifying (a) raping of a child and child molester and (b) pedophile in one category is a great bias. Raping and molesting are criminal acts forbidden by law, but having pedophile feelings and desires without acting in a pedosexual way cannot be, and is not forbidden by any law in any country. [...]
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Child sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of children and pedophilia: different names, different problems?
This article discusses the emergence of “sexual violence against children” as a current “social problem” and its breakdown into different modalities such as “child sexual abuse”, “sexual exploitation of children” and “pedophilia”. Although focused on a “problem” whose repercussions and visibility are not limited by national borders, it does not intend to account for all the different levels of this phenomenon. Instead, it aims to contribute to the understanding of one of this problem’s local manifestations, within the Brazilian legal, social and political context. Where relevant, references will be made to the international scene.
[... ... ...]
As we have seen, words are not neutral in this universe of political struggles, in so far they delineate not only differences of meaning, but also different political positions; not only different interpretations but also action strategies. [...]
Words and their meanings are constantly constructed and reinvented within disputes and social shifts at several levels. [...]
I hope that this historical and social analysis of the uses and meanings of the diversified vocabulary regarding “sexual violence against children” will contribute to a more reflective usage of the relevant classificatory categories.
This article discusses the emergence of “sexual violence against children” as a current “social problem” and its breakdown into different modalities such as “child sexual abuse”, “sexual exploitation of children” and “pedophilia”. Although focused on a “problem” whose repercussions and visibility are not limited by national borders, it does not intend to account for all the different levels of this phenomenon. Instead, it aims to contribute to the understanding of one of this problem’s local manifestations, within the Brazilian legal, social and political context. Where relevant, references will be made to the international scene.
[... ... ...]
As we have seen, words are not neutral in this universe of political struggles, in so far they delineate not only differences of meaning, but also different political positions; not only different interpretations but also action strategies. [...]
Words and their meanings are constantly constructed and reinvented within disputes and social shifts at several levels. [...]
I hope that this historical and social analysis of the uses and meanings of the diversified vocabulary regarding “sexual violence against children” will contribute to a more reflective usage of the relevant classificatory categories.
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From Deviation to Disorder: the medicalization of sexuality in contemporary psychiatric classifications of disease
In the final decades of the 20th century, the psychiatric field witnessed an important transformation. The psycho-social view of mental disorders, characterized in part by the hegemony of psychoanalytic interpretation and by a political and social critique of traditional psychiatric practices, gave way to a view that was strictly biological.
A landmark in this transformation was the publication in 1980 of the third version of the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) by the American Psychiatric Association. But this shift in the understanding of mental disorders — from psycho-sociological to biological — was not an isolated phenomenon. In fact, it was part of a larger process of the “re-biologization” of topics and debates, such as race and sexual difference, which were earlier reserved to the realm of political struggle.
[... ... ...]
The fragmentation and specification of disorders of “normal” sexuality are part of this broader process, which points to the very objectification and fragmentation of the “self, “subject” and “person” concepts.
In the final decades of the 20th century, the psychiatric field witnessed an important transformation. The psycho-social view of mental disorders, characterized in part by the hegemony of psychoanalytic interpretation and by a political and social critique of traditional psychiatric practices, gave way to a view that was strictly biological.
A landmark in this transformation was the publication in 1980 of the third version of the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) by the American Psychiatric Association. But this shift in the understanding of mental disorders — from psycho-sociological to biological — was not an isolated phenomenon. In fact, it was part of a larger process of the “re-biologization” of topics and debates, such as race and sexual difference, which were earlier reserved to the realm of political struggle.
[... ... ...]
The fragmentation and specification of disorders of “normal” sexuality are part of this broader process, which points to the very objectification and fragmentation of the “self, “subject” and “person” concepts.
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Sexually Harmful Adults;
Forensic Psychology Graham J. Towl (Editor), David A. Crighton (Editor);
Book: 480 pp - Chapter: 10
This chapter has explored sexual harm by outlining firstly the theories that have been developed to understand the behaviour. It proceeded to discuss the interventions currently used to rehabilitate sexually harmful behaviours, and how those treatments have been evaluated and measured, before going onto to discuss the difficulties in measurement and evaluation in meta-analytic studies, the ethics of such analysis, and ways of overcoming such pitfalls.
The second part of the chapter shows how sexual harm has become a major challenge for social policy, and the social and political panic around sexual offending and sexual harm is discussed, showing how more laws were introduced to appease perceived public disquiet. The law is now so encompassing that even consensual adult activity in private has become confused in statute with sexual offending. In this way the law fails to equate sexual harm with sexual offending, and the result is confusion, conflict and further strain on stretched resources. The consequence has been to foster a climate of concern around children that has resulted in fewer activities for them to do, less freedom, and therefore less ability to deal with risk. The resulting culture of fear is, it is argued, a threat to security and safety.
This chapter has explored sexual harm by outlining firstly the theories that have been developed to understand the behaviour. It proceeded to discuss the interventions currently used to rehabilitate sexually harmful behaviours, and how those treatments have been evaluated and measured, before going onto to discuss the difficulties in measurement and evaluation in meta-analytic studies, the ethics of such analysis, and ways of overcoming such pitfalls.
The second part of the chapter shows how sexual harm has become a major challenge for social policy, and the social and political panic around sexual offending and sexual harm is discussed, showing how more laws were introduced to appease perceived public disquiet. The law is now so encompassing that even consensual adult activity in private has become confused in statute with sexual offending. In this way the law fails to equate sexual harm with sexual offending, and the result is confusion, conflict and further strain on stretched resources. The consequence has been to foster a climate of concern around children that has resulted in fewer activities for them to do, less freedom, and therefore less ability to deal with risk. The resulting culture of fear is, it is argued, a threat to security and safety.
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Why the new German study “Sexualized violence against children and adolescents” is pseudoscience and misleading propaganda,
Jun 16 2025
On June 2, 2025, the German Medical Journal (Deutsches Ärzteblatt) published an article entitled “Sexualized violence against children and adolescents. A nationwide, representative survey on prevalence, situational context, and consequences.”
On the same day, leading German media outlets published detailed and largely identical reports on the study's findings. “Sexualized violence” was defined in the survey conducted by the Central Institute for Mental Health in Mannheim as follows:
“Any act of a sexual nature committed against persons under the age of 14 or against the will of a person under the age of 18. This includes any acts with or without physical contact, for example, sexual harassment, sexual coercion, and attempted or completed penetration of the body.”
The survey questioned 3,012 randomly selected people from Germany aged between 18 and 59.
Two key findings of the study are therefore (allegedly):
“Sexualized violence” against children and adolescents is very widespread, and most “perpetrators” are (significantly older) adults.
In this article, I would like to describe and explain why the study is pseudoscientific and flawed.
On June 2, 2025, the German Medical Journal (Deutsches Ärzteblatt) published an article entitled “Sexualized violence against children and adolescents. A nationwide, representative survey on prevalence, situational context, and consequences.”
On the same day, leading German media outlets published detailed and largely identical reports on the study's findings. “Sexualized violence” was defined in the survey conducted by the Central Institute for Mental Health in Mannheim as follows:
“Any act of a sexual nature committed against persons under the age of 14 or against the will of a person under the age of 18. This includes any acts with or without physical contact, for example, sexual harassment, sexual coercion, and attempted or completed penetration of the body.”
The survey questioned 3,012 randomly selected people from Germany aged between 18 and 59.
Two key findings of the study are therefore (allegedly):
“Sexualized violence” against children and adolescents is very widespread, and most “perpetrators” are (significantly older) adults.
In this article, I would like to describe and explain why the study is pseudoscientific and flawed.
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Quotes from: Sexual Violence Against Children and Adolescents;
Deutsches Ärzteblatt | Jg. 122 | Heft 11 | 30. Mai 2025;
122(11), ,
May 30 2025
Methods:
A representative sample of the German population aged 18 to 59 was selected for this survey with the aid of Infratest dimap (a private polling company). The participants were asked to fill in a combination of written postal and online questionnaires in a mixed-mode design from January to October 2024.
Results:
10 000 people were contacted in writing (response rate: 30.2%). 12.7% [...] stated that they were affected by sexual violence, including 20.6% of all women and 4.8% of all men. Men had more frequently experienced sexual violence in sports and leisure facilities, in a church context, and in the setting of government-provided child, youth, and family services. 37.4% [...] of the affected persons had not previously reported the crime to anyone. 31.7% [...] of respondents reported sexual violence via the internet and social media. The mental health of affected persons was poorer than that of unaffected persons.
Conclusion:
Many cases of sexual violence go unreported. The different settings in which these offenses are committed, e.g., the preponderance of male victims in institutional settings, further imply a need for differentiated protection strategies, addressing both potential victims and potential perpetrators.
Methods:
A representative sample of the German population aged 18 to 59 was selected for this survey with the aid of Infratest dimap (a private polling company). The participants were asked to fill in a combination of written postal and online questionnaires in a mixed-mode design from January to October 2024.
Results:
10 000 people were contacted in writing (response rate: 30.2%). 12.7% [...] stated that they were affected by sexual violence, including 20.6% of all women and 4.8% of all men. Men had more frequently experienced sexual violence in sports and leisure facilities, in a church context, and in the setting of government-provided child, youth, and family services. 37.4% [...] of the affected persons had not previously reported the crime to anyone. 31.7% [...] of respondents reported sexual violence via the internet and social media. The mental health of affected persons was poorer than that of unaffected persons.
Conclusion:
Many cases of sexual violence go unreported. The different settings in which these offenses are committed, e.g., the preponderance of male victims in institutional settings, further imply a need for differentiated protection strategies, addressing both potential victims and potential perpetrators.
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Quotes from: Compassion-focused therapy as an intervention for sexual offending
Conclusion:
The development of trauma–aware practice demonstrates the prevalence of adverse child experiences in the histories of people with sexual offences an points to functional links between trauma and sexual offending. However, common feature of the predominant intervention models is a focus on criminogenic needs without attention to the (often traumatic) genesis for these.
We have argued here that survival responses to trauma and adversity give rise to the development of criminogenic needs, and it is necessary to address the origins of criminogenic factors in order to prevent further harm. We propose that CFT offers a therapeutic model for doing this, providing a means to formulate criminogenic needs in the context of trauma and a means of developing a motivation that moves people away from harmful behaviour. The two case examples of interventions that use CFT as their main component show promising outcomes for psychological wellbeing and acknowledgment risk.
PS:
* A Dutch version is given here:
< https://www.helping-people.info/compassie_als_de_kern.html >.
Conclusion:
The development of trauma–aware practice demonstrates the prevalence of adverse child experiences in the histories of people with sexual offences an points to functional links between trauma and sexual offending. However, common feature of the predominant intervention models is a focus on criminogenic needs without attention to the (often traumatic) genesis for these.
We have argued here that survival responses to trauma and adversity give rise to the development of criminogenic needs, and it is necessary to address the origins of criminogenic factors in order to prevent further harm. We propose that CFT offers a therapeutic model for doing this, providing a means to formulate criminogenic needs in the context of trauma and a means of developing a motivation that moves people away from harmful behaviour. The two case examples of interventions that use CFT as their main component show promising outcomes for psychological wellbeing and acknowledgment risk.
PS:
* A Dutch version is given here:
< https://www.helping-people.info/compassie_als_de_kern.html >.
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Quotes from: The Treatment Needs and Experiences of Pedohebephiles: A Systematic Review;
Archives of Sexual Behavior;
3329 - 3346,
Jul 15 2024
People with a sexual interest in children face significant barriers to seeking and receiving mental health treatment.
This review aims to bridge the gap between the treatment needs and experiences of pedohebephiles, and the services aiming to support them. [...]
Research suggests that this population experiences significant levels of distress, depression, and anxiety related to their sexual interest.
Many individuals belonging to this population would seek (median=42.3%), or have sought (median=46.5%), treatment to cope with their sexual interest or with potential related mental health repercussions.
Their experiences in treatment have been mixed, with some reporting positive experiences with empathic therapists and others reporting rejection. Most frequently, pedohebephiles report fear of exposure and rejection as barriers to seeking treatment, in addition to fear of the legal repercussions. [...]
The findings indicate that the treatment needs of pedohebephiles often remain unaddressed. Suggestions to increase the fit between treatment services and the needs of pedohebephiles are put forward.
People with a sexual interest in children face significant barriers to seeking and receiving mental health treatment.
This review aims to bridge the gap between the treatment needs and experiences of pedohebephiles, and the services aiming to support them. [...]
Research suggests that this population experiences significant levels of distress, depression, and anxiety related to their sexual interest.
Many individuals belonging to this population would seek (median=42.3%), or have sought (median=46.5%), treatment to cope with their sexual interest or with potential related mental health repercussions.
Their experiences in treatment have been mixed, with some reporting positive experiences with empathic therapists and others reporting rejection. Most frequently, pedohebephiles report fear of exposure and rejection as barriers to seeking treatment, in addition to fear of the legal repercussions. [...]
The findings indicate that the treatment needs of pedohebephiles often remain unaddressed. Suggestions to increase the fit between treatment services and the needs of pedohebephiles are put forward.
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Associations of the ten original Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) with mental health impairments after controlling for the other ACEs (meta-analysis)
The ten original ACEs (including emotional, physical, and "sexual abuse") are associated with mental impairment among the people affected in countless studies. The corresponding bivariate associations are to a considerable extent confounding bias. The extent of the causal relationships is unresolved. [...]
Methode: A systematic literature search was conducted to search for studies that determined the associations of each of the ten original ACEs with mental impairment in "minors" or adults after controlling for each of
the nine other original ACEs (and other ACEs, if applicable). [...]
Conclusions: The causal relationships between the ten original ACEs and mental health impairments are smaller than widely suspected. In the case of several original ACEs, long-term important negative health consequences
are not to be assumed. The ACEs concept should be fundamentally
reconsidered.
Limitations: Also, because of the many uncontrolled confounding variables (including genes and other ACEs), the associations identified by the metaanalysis are not precise causal effect sizes.
The ten original ACEs (including emotional, physical, and "sexual abuse") are associated with mental impairment among the people affected in countless studies. The corresponding bivariate associations are to a considerable extent confounding bias. The extent of the causal relationships is unresolved. [...]
Methode: A systematic literature search was conducted to search for studies that determined the associations of each of the ten original ACEs with mental impairment in "minors" or adults after controlling for each of
the nine other original ACEs (and other ACEs, if applicable). [...]
Conclusions: The causal relationships between the ten original ACEs and mental health impairments are smaller than widely suspected. In the case of several original ACEs, long-term important negative health consequences
are not to be assumed. The ACEs concept should be fundamentally
reconsidered.
Limitations: Also, because of the many uncontrolled confounding variables (including genes and other ACEs), the associations identified by the metaanalysis are not precise causal effect sizes.
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Schuster, meta-analysis - some links to the references
Some Literature … from Schulte, Meta-analysis 2024, as far as easily to find on Ipce’s websites.
Some Literature … from Schulte, Meta-analysis 2024, as far as easily to find on Ipce’s websites.
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Quotes from: Associations of the ten original Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) with mental health impairments after controlling for the other ACEs (meta-analysis)
The ten original ACEs (including emotional, physical, and "sexual abuse") are associated with mental impairment among the people affected in countless studies. The corresponding bivariate associations are to a considerable extent confounding bias. The extent of the causal relationships is unresolved.
[... ... ...]
Results: The magnitude of the bivariate associations between the ten original ACEs and mental health impairments is typically medium across
studies (median r=0.22), typically very small (r=0.07) after controlling for the nine other original ACEs, and even smaller (r=0.05) after controlling for additional ACEs. The ACEs incarceration of a household member (r=-0.01) and witnessing violence against the mother/parents (r=0.01) are not associated with mental health impairments after controlling for more than each of the nine other original ACEs. These associations are also very low for the ACEs "sexual abuse", divorce/separation of parents, and alcohol/drug problem of a household member (r=0.04 each).
Conclusions: The causal relationships between the ten original ACEs and mental health impairments are smaller than widely suspected. In the case of several original ACEs, long-term important negative health consequences
are not to be assumed. The ACEs concept should be fundamentally reconsidered.
Limitations: Also, because of the many ncontrolled confounding variables (including genes and other ACEs), the ssociations identified by the metaanalysis are not precise causal effect sizes.
The ten original ACEs (including emotional, physical, and "sexual abuse") are associated with mental impairment among the people affected in countless studies. The corresponding bivariate associations are to a considerable extent confounding bias. The extent of the causal relationships is unresolved.
[... ... ...]
Results: The magnitude of the bivariate associations between the ten original ACEs and mental health impairments is typically medium across
studies (median r=0.22), typically very small (r=0.07) after controlling for the nine other original ACEs, and even smaller (r=0.05) after controlling for additional ACEs. The ACEs incarceration of a household member (r=-0.01) and witnessing violence against the mother/parents (r=0.01) are not associated with mental health impairments after controlling for more than each of the nine other original ACEs. These associations are also very low for the ACEs "sexual abuse", divorce/separation of parents, and alcohol/drug problem of a household member (r=0.04 each).
Conclusions: The causal relationships between the ten original ACEs and mental health impairments are smaller than widely suspected. In the case of several original ACEs, long-term important negative health consequences
are not to be assumed. The ACEs concept should be fundamentally reconsidered.
Limitations: Also, because of the many ncontrolled confounding variables (including genes and other ACEs), the ssociations identified by the metaanalysis are not precise causal effect sizes.
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Ambivalence
The author sees a 'blind spot' in quantitative research, a.o. of Rind c.s.
In the quantitavie research, there is a line between +1 and -1, with zero between both figures: 'neutral' between 'positive' and 'negative.
In the qualitative view, there are two positions possible between positive and negative: neutral and ambivalent: positive and negative both.
The ambivalent feelings may be felt during the act, thus empirically, but also may have came up by influences later by other people: 'It was nice, but I have learned that is was bad, thus morally wrong'.
The latter view is quite often given by a psychologist with a blind eye for attachment problems within the family: 'That dirty man have caused all your problems', or even 'has destroyed your life', whereafter the parents think: 'We are OK'.
The author sees a 'blind spot' in quantitative research, a.o. of Rind c.s.
In the quantitavie research, there is a line between +1 and -1, with zero between both figures: 'neutral' between 'positive' and 'negative.
In the qualitative view, there are two positions possible between positive and negative: neutral and ambivalent: positive and negative both.
The ambivalent feelings may be felt during the act, thus empirically, but also may have came up by influences later by other people: 'It was nice, but I have learned that is was bad, thus morally wrong'.
The latter view is quite often given by a psychologist with a blind eye for attachment problems within the family: 'That dirty man have caused all your problems', or even 'has destroyed your life', whereafter the parents think: 'We are OK'.
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Intelligence, Memory, and Handedness in Pedophilia
A sample of 473 male patients with pedophilia (assessed by the patients’ sexual history and penile response in the laboratory to standardized, erotic stimuli) or other problematic sexual interests or behaviors received brief neuropsychological assessments. [...]
Pedophilia showed significant negative correlations with IQ and immediate
and delayed recall memory. Pedophilia was also related to non-right-handedness even after covarying age and IQ.
These results suggest that pedophilia is linked to early neurodevelopmental perturbations.
Given is the article in PDF format, and Abstract and some quotes in html format, followed by a Comment by PhD F. Gieles.
A sample of 473 male patients with pedophilia (assessed by the patients’ sexual history and penile response in the laboratory to standardized, erotic stimuli) or other problematic sexual interests or behaviors received brief neuropsychological assessments. [...]
Pedophilia showed significant negative correlations with IQ and immediate
and delayed recall memory. Pedophilia was also related to non-right-handedness even after covarying age and IQ.
These results suggest that pedophilia is linked to early neurodevelopmental perturbations.
Given is the article in PDF format, and Abstract and some quotes in html format, followed by a Comment by PhD F. Gieles.
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Promoting sexual health and responsible sexual behavior: an introduction.;
The Journal of Sex Research,
Feb 01 2002
We are at a unique juncture in history and have a rare opportunity to develop global, national, and community strategies to promote sexual health for the new century. This opportunity has been created by the fact that the world is experiencing a new sexual revolution and a public health imperative. Much like the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s, it is a revolution fueled by incredible scientific advances, as well as dramatic social and economic change (...).
We also face a myriad of sexual health problems, which is creating an enormous burden on societies. These two factors are putting pressure on health ministries to develop comprehensive approaches to sexual health promotion.
We are at a unique juncture in history and have a rare opportunity to develop global, national, and community strategies to promote sexual health for the new century. This opportunity has been created by the fact that the world is experiencing a new sexual revolution and a public health imperative. Much like the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s, it is a revolution fueled by incredible scientific advances, as well as dramatic social and economic change (...).
We also face a myriad of sexual health problems, which is creating an enormous burden on societies. These two factors are putting pressure on health ministries to develop comprehensive approaches to sexual health promotion.
;
Coerced Sex Not Uncommon for Young Men, Teenage Boys, Study Finds;
APA Org. News ;
03,
A large proportion of teenage boys and college men report having been coerced into sex or sexual behavior, according to research published by the American Psychological Association. A total of 43 percent of high school boys and young college men reported they had an unwanted sexual experience and of those, 95 percent said a female acquaintance was the aggressor. [...]
“While not typically addressed in sexual violence research, unwanted seduction was a particularly pervasive form of sexual coercion in this study, as well as peer pressure and a victim’s own sense of an obligation. Seduction was a particularly salient and potentially unique form of coercion for teenage boys and young men when compared to their female counterparts.”
A large proportion of teenage boys and college men report having been coerced into sex or sexual behavior, according to research published by the American Psychological Association. A total of 43 percent of high school boys and young college men reported they had an unwanted sexual experience and of those, 95 percent said a female acquaintance was the aggressor. [...]
“While not typically addressed in sexual violence research, unwanted seduction was a particularly pervasive form of sexual coercion in this study, as well as peer pressure and a victim’s own sense of an obligation. Seduction was a particularly salient and potentially unique form of coercion for teenage boys and young men when compared to their female counterparts.”
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Does Porn Hurt Children?;
New York Times Sunday Review
[...] After sifting through [276 research] papers, the report [of a Commision] found a link between exposure to pornography and engagement in risky behavior, such as unprotected sex or sex at a young age. But little could be said about that link. Most important, “causal relationships” between pornography and risky behavior “could not be established". [...]
Among the most prolific and revered researchers to examine teenagers and pornography is a duo in the Netherlands, Jochen Peter and Patti M. Valkenburg. The pair has been publishing studies about this issue for nearly a decade, most of it based on surveys of teenagers. “when teens watch more porn they tend to be more dissatisfied with their sexual lives. This effect is not really a strong effect, though." ... The pair also found that adolescents who watch more porn than their typical peers are generally less averse to casual sex. [...]
“I would be very cautious saying that what we found in the Netherlands is applicable in the U.S.,” Mr. Peter said. “Our findings are in a country that is pretty liberal when it comes to adolescent sexuality.” [...]
“One of our recommendations is that children should be taught about relationships and sex at a young age,” Professor Horvath “One of our recommendations is that children should be taught about relationships and sex at a young age,” Professor Horvath said. [...]
At a minimum, researchers believe a parent-teenager conversation about sexuality and pornography is a good idea, as unnerving to both sides as that may sound.
[...] After sifting through [276 research] papers, the report [of a Commision] found a link between exposure to pornography and engagement in risky behavior, such as unprotected sex or sex at a young age. But little could be said about that link. Most important, “causal relationships” between pornography and risky behavior “could not be established". [...]
Among the most prolific and revered researchers to examine teenagers and pornography is a duo in the Netherlands, Jochen Peter and Patti M. Valkenburg. The pair has been publishing studies about this issue for nearly a decade, most of it based on surveys of teenagers. “when teens watch more porn they tend to be more dissatisfied with their sexual lives. This effect is not really a strong effect, though." ... The pair also found that adolescents who watch more porn than their typical peers are generally less averse to casual sex. [...]
“I would be very cautious saying that what we found in the Netherlands is applicable in the U.S.,” Mr. Peter said. “Our findings are in a country that is pretty liberal when it comes to adolescent sexuality.” [...]
“One of our recommendations is that children should be taught about relationships and sex at a young age,” Professor Horvath “One of our recommendations is that children should be taught about relationships and sex at a young age,” Professor Horvath said. [...]
At a minimum, researchers believe a parent-teenager conversation about sexuality and pornography is a good idea, as unnerving to both sides as that may sound.
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The Neuropsychology of Sexual Offenders: A Meta-Analysis
Abstract
Typically, neuropsychological studies of sex offenders have grouped together different types of individuals and different types of measures. This is why results have tended to be nonspecific and divergent across studies.
Against this background, the authors undertook a review of the literature regarding the neuropsychology of sex offenders, taking into account subgroups based on criminological theories.
They also conducted a meta-analysis of the data to demonstrate the cognitive heterogeneity of sex offenders statistically. Their main objective was to test the hypothesis to the effect that the neuropsychological deficits of sex offenders are not broad and generalized compared with specific subgroups of participants based on specific measures.
In all, 23 neuropsychological studies reporting data on 1,756 participants were taken into consideration. As expected, a highly significant, broad, and heterogeneous overall effect size was found. Taking subgroups of participants and specific cognitive measures into account significantly improved homogeneity.
Sex offenders against children tended to obtain lower scores than did sex offenders against adults on higher order executive functions, whereas sex offenders against adults tended to obtain results similar to those of non-sex offenders, with lower scores in verbal fluency and inhibition.
However, it is concluded that neuropsychological data on sex offenders are still too scarce to confirm these trends or to test more precise hypotheses. For greater clinical relevance, future neuropsychological studies should consider specific subgroups of participants and measures to verify the presence of different cognitive profiles.
[... ... ... ...]
The main goal was to define specific subgroups of sex offenders based on criminological typologies and to demonstrate that they present distinct cognitive profiles. Unfortunately, it was not possible for us to achieve this goal.
Consequently, it is currently impossible to say whether sex offenders present broad, nonspecific cognitive impairments or, instead, specific neuropsychological profiles.
Abstract
Typically, neuropsychological studies of sex offenders have grouped together different types of individuals and different types of measures. This is why results have tended to be nonspecific and divergent across studies.
Against this background, the authors undertook a review of the literature regarding the neuropsychology of sex offenders, taking into account subgroups based on criminological theories.
They also conducted a meta-analysis of the data to demonstrate the cognitive heterogeneity of sex offenders statistically. Their main objective was to test the hypothesis to the effect that the neuropsychological deficits of sex offenders are not broad and generalized compared with specific subgroups of participants based on specific measures.
In all, 23 neuropsychological studies reporting data on 1,756 participants were taken into consideration. As expected, a highly significant, broad, and heterogeneous overall effect size was found. Taking subgroups of participants and specific cognitive measures into account significantly improved homogeneity.
Sex offenders against children tended to obtain lower scores than did sex offenders against adults on higher order executive functions, whereas sex offenders against adults tended to obtain results similar to those of non-sex offenders, with lower scores in verbal fluency and inhibition.
However, it is concluded that neuropsychological data on sex offenders are still too scarce to confirm these trends or to test more precise hypotheses. For greater clinical relevance, future neuropsychological studies should consider specific subgroups of participants and measures to verify the presence of different cognitive profiles.
[... ... ... ...]
The main goal was to define specific subgroups of sex offenders based on criminological typologies and to demonstrate that they present distinct cognitive profiles. Unfortunately, it was not possible for us to achieve this goal.
Consequently, it is currently impossible to say whether sex offenders present broad, nonspecific cognitive impairments or, instead, specific neuropsychological profiles.
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Child Sexual Abuse: The Sources of Anxiety Making and the Negative Effects;
IPT Journal;
18,
Conclusion
Christian belief about child sexuality and feminist ideations have more in common than is generally thought. Together they have negatively influenced the perception of child sexual abuse.
With the active collaboration of professionals and lay persons, undue alarm was created about the sexual morality of children being in great danger. This led to the exaggeration of child sexual abuse at the expense of other more frequently occurring, and also under-reported, other abuses of children.
It seemed to be the sexual moral nature of the abuse that attracted these protagonists, rather than a genuine concern about child protection. This surreptitious moral concern spilled over into other areas of child sexuality (such as "problematic sexual behaviors" and "child sexualization").
As outlined, the moral and ideological thrust of the child sexual abuse exaggeration has come at considerable cost, particularly to families and children. It is only balanced and rational research, and sober and objective professional analysis, that may turn the tide in the decades to come.
Conclusion
Christian belief about child sexuality and feminist ideations have more in common than is generally thought. Together they have negatively influenced the perception of child sexual abuse.
With the active collaboration of professionals and lay persons, undue alarm was created about the sexual morality of children being in great danger. This led to the exaggeration of child sexual abuse at the expense of other more frequently occurring, and also under-reported, other abuses of children.
It seemed to be the sexual moral nature of the abuse that attracted these protagonists, rather than a genuine concern about child protection. This surreptitious moral concern spilled over into other areas of child sexuality (such as "problematic sexual behaviors" and "child sexualization").
As outlined, the moral and ideological thrust of the child sexual abuse exaggeration has come at considerable cost, particularly to families and children. It is only balanced and rational research, and sober and objective professional analysis, that may turn the tide in the decades to come.
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Understanding and Challenging Stigmatization of People With Pedophilia;
Fakultät Mathematik und Naturwissenschaften der Technischen Universität Dresden;
208 pp.,
Feb 06 2015
In summary, this thesis shows that stigma against pedophilia is a serious and widespread problem, and offers concrete propositions to promote a more realistic and empathetic view of this group. By approaching the emotionally charged concept of pedophilia from a stigma perspective, the research presented in this thesis challenges the way in which not only people from the general public, but also scientists and health care professionals think about pedophilia, and corroborates the importance of stigma reduction within the wider context of child sexual abuse prevention.
In summary, this thesis shows that stigma against pedophilia is a serious and widespread problem, and offers concrete propositions to promote a more realistic and empathetic view of this group. By approaching the emotionally charged concept of pedophilia from a stigma perspective, the research presented in this thesis challenges the way in which not only people from the general public, but also scientists and health care professionals think about pedophilia, and corroborates the importance of stigma reduction within the wider context of child sexual abuse prevention.
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Long-Range Effects of Child and Adolescent Sexual Experiences - Myths, Mores, and Menaces;
230 pp.
Most of us harbor strong beliefs and convictions about the long-range effects of
sexual experiences encountered during childhood and adolescence. Few of us ever have the opportunity to obtain or examine credible evidence about the long-range consequences of the sexual encounters that most of us have experienced during our early years. This book provides an opportunity to learn a great deal about the effects of early sexuality on adult functioning.
Most of us harbor strong beliefs and convictions about the long-range effects of
sexual experiences encountered during childhood and adolescence. Few of us ever have the opportunity to obtain or examine credible evidence about the long-range consequences of the sexual encounters that most of us have experienced during our early years. This book provides an opportunity to learn a great deal about the effects of early sexuality on adult functioning.
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Contact Sexual Offending by Men With Online Sexual Offenses;
Annals of Sex Research · December 2010
Abstract
There is much concern about the likelihood that online sexual offenders particularly online child pornography offenders) have either committed or will commit offline sexual offenses involving contact with a victim. This study addresses this question in two metaanalyses:
[1] the first examined the contact sexual offense histories of online offenders,
whereas
[2] the second examined the recidivism rates from follow-up studies of online
offenders.
[1] The first meta-analysis found that approximately 1 in 8 online offenders (12%)
have an officially known contact sexual offense history at the time of their index offense (k = 21, N = 4,464). Approximately one in two (55%) online offenders admitted to a contact sexual offense in the six studies that had self-report data (N = 523).
[2] The second meta-analysis revealed that 4.6% of online offenders committed a new sexual offense of some kind during a 1.5- to 6-year follow-up (k = 9, N = 2,630); 2.0% committed a contact sexual offense and 3.4% committed a new child pornography offense.
The results of these two quantitative reviews suggest that there may be a distinct subgroup of online-only offenders who pose relatively low risk of committing
contact sexual offenses in the future.
Abstract
There is much concern about the likelihood that online sexual offenders particularly online child pornography offenders) have either committed or will commit offline sexual offenses involving contact with a victim. This study addresses this question in two metaanalyses:
[1] the first examined the contact sexual offense histories of online offenders,
whereas
[2] the second examined the recidivism rates from follow-up studies of online
offenders.
[1] The first meta-analysis found that approximately 1 in 8 online offenders (12%)
have an officially known contact sexual offense history at the time of their index offense (k = 21, N = 4,464). Approximately one in two (55%) online offenders admitted to a contact sexual offense in the six studies that had self-report data (N = 523).
[2] The second meta-analysis revealed that 4.6% of online offenders committed a new sexual offense of some kind during a 1.5- to 6-year follow-up (k = 9, N = 2,630); 2.0% committed a contact sexual offense and 3.4% committed a new child pornography offense.
The results of these two quantitative reviews suggest that there may be a distinct subgroup of online-only offenders who pose relatively low risk of committing
contact sexual offenses in the future.
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Trajectories in online child sexual exploitation offending in Australia;
Trends & issues in crime and criminal justice, No. 524 January 2017
Although the full extent and nature of the sexual exploitation of children is only beginning to be recognised, it is a problem of global significance that requires strong and effective responses. The extent to which the viewing of child exploitation material (CEM) is linked to involvement in producing such material, sharing it and using it to groom and then assault children is a key concern. Most such material is held online, and it is important to understand how offenders use the internet to access CEM and to groom children for sexual exploitation.
This exploratory study examines data relating to a sample of offenders convicted of online child sexual exploitation offences under Australian Commonwealth law, to determine how online forms of child sexual exploitation and offline child sexual exploitation, or contact offending, are related.
The majority of offenders in this study appeared to commit only online offences, although in a minority of cases there was a connection between exploitative material, grooming and contact offending.
This study is an important early step in improving our understanding of offenders and points to the need for further assessment of the nature of online child sexual exploitation and its relationship to other forms of sexual and violent offences.
Although the full extent and nature of the sexual exploitation of children is only beginning to be recognised, it is a problem of global significance that requires strong and effective responses. The extent to which the viewing of child exploitation material (CEM) is linked to involvement in producing such material, sharing it and using it to groom and then assault children is a key concern. Most such material is held online, and it is important to understand how offenders use the internet to access CEM and to groom children for sexual exploitation.
This exploratory study examines data relating to a sample of offenders convicted of online child sexual exploitation offences under Australian Commonwealth law, to determine how online forms of child sexual exploitation and offline child sexual exploitation, or contact offending, are related.
The majority of offenders in this study appeared to commit only online offences, although in a minority of cases there was a connection between exploitative material, grooming and contact offending.
This study is an important early step in improving our understanding of offenders and points to the need for further assessment of the nature of online child sexual exploitation and its relationship to other forms of sexual and violent offences.
;
Approximately 0.5 percent of all "perpetrators" of "sexual abuse" of "minors" are "pedophilic" men,
Feb 17 2022
For orientation in advance, a brief summary of the following calculation: According to the available Darkfield studies,
- 74 percent of all "perpetrators" of "sexual abuse" of "minors" are "minors" (people under 18 years of age) and
- only 26 percent are adults (women and men 18 years of age and older).
- 14 percent of all "perpetrators" are female and
- 86 percent are male, according to available dark field studies.
We assume here that this result based on "minor" and adult "perpetrators" also applies to adult "perpetrators". Then
- 4 percent of all "perpetrators" are women and
- 23 percent are men.
According to two Darkfield studies, about 2 percent of all adult males who have "sexually abused" "minors" are estimated to have a sexual age preference for prepubescents (people in the 0 to 9/10 age range). Accordingly, approximately 0.5 percent of all "perpetrators" of "sexual abuse" of "minors" are "pedophilic" adult males.
For orientation in advance, a brief summary of the following calculation: According to the available Darkfield studies,
- 74 percent of all "perpetrators" of "sexual abuse" of "minors" are "minors" (people under 18 years of age) and
- only 26 percent are adults (women and men 18 years of age and older).
- 14 percent of all "perpetrators" are female and
- 86 percent are male, according to available dark field studies.
We assume here that this result based on "minor" and adult "perpetrators" also applies to adult "perpetrators". Then
- 4 percent of all "perpetrators" are women and
- 23 percent are men.
According to two Darkfield studies, about 2 percent of all adult males who have "sexually abused" "minors" are estimated to have a sexual age preference for prepubescents (people in the 0 to 9/10 age range). Accordingly, approximately 0.5 percent of all "perpetrators" of "sexual abuse" of "minors" are "pedophilic" adult males.