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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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Sex from Plato to Paglia;
Pp 755 - 763
Pedophilia is sexual attraction some adults feel toward children that may lead to adult-child sex. The word is also used to refer to the practice of adult-child sex. In contemporary Western societies, the subject is highly contentious and fraught with strong feelings. The strength of the feelings is readily explained by concern for the welfare of children and for their healthy, unimpeded development. But it also reflects a set of stereotypes of pedophiles that for the most part are not borne out by the facts. [...]
In addition to terminological problems, discussions of pedophilia are often plagued by an array of factually inaccurate but widely accepted beliefs.
These stereotypes explain why pedophilia is "the most hated of all sexual variations" [...]
Yet, for the most part, they are not empirically confirmed. Most known pedophiles are indeed men. They are not, however, always old men but are spread over the entire age range. Typically, they are not strangers to the children involved. They are more likely to be family members or other adults from the immediate social surroundings of the children.
The sex act is rarely forced on the child. The act committed is rarely sexual intercourse; the most characteristic activities are kissing, touching, and fondling.[...]
Research does not distinguish clearly, or at all, between
- the direct harm of pedophilia, that caused by the sexual encounter or relationship itself, and
- the indirect harm brought about by the harsh condemnation of pedophilia by society's morality and its laws and the drastic reaction of parents and others to the child's sexual involvement with an adult.
If pedophilia is to be morally condemned and legally prohibited because it harms children, the argument should be based solely on direct harms. [... ... ...]
Pedophilia is sexual attraction some adults feel toward children that may lead to adult-child sex. The word is also used to refer to the practice of adult-child sex. In contemporary Western societies, the subject is highly contentious and fraught with strong feelings. The strength of the feelings is readily explained by concern for the welfare of children and for their healthy, unimpeded development. But it also reflects a set of stereotypes of pedophiles that for the most part are not borne out by the facts. [...]
In addition to terminological problems, discussions of pedophilia are often plagued by an array of factually inaccurate but widely accepted beliefs.
These stereotypes explain why pedophilia is "the most hated of all sexual variations" [...]
Yet, for the most part, they are not empirically confirmed. Most known pedophiles are indeed men. They are not, however, always old men but are spread over the entire age range. Typically, they are not strangers to the children involved. They are more likely to be family members or other adults from the immediate social surroundings of the children.
The sex act is rarely forced on the child. The act committed is rarely sexual intercourse; the most characteristic activities are kissing, touching, and fondling.[...]
Research does not distinguish clearly, or at all, between
- the direct harm of pedophilia, that caused by the sexual encounter or relationship itself, and
- the indirect harm brought about by the harsh condemnation of pedophilia by society's morality and its laws and the drastic reaction of parents and others to the child's sexual involvement with an adult.
If pedophilia is to be morally condemned and legally prohibited because it harms children, the argument should be based solely on direct harms. [... ... ...]
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Quotes from: Lover, Mentor, or Exploiter;
Archives of Sexual Behavior;
51, 987-999
Sexual relationships between an adolescent and an older person are considered controversial and in many countries are conceptualized under the legal definition of statutory relationship/rape. Despite the consensus regarding their potential negative implications, little is known about how adolescents perceive and construct them. To address this lacuna, the current exploratory study examined how individuals who have experienced sexual relationships with an adult while growing up perceived the older person and the meaning they ascribed to the age gap [...]
A qualitative thematic methodology was incorporated in analyzing in-depth semi-structured interviews with 28 individuals (...) who had experienced sexual relationships with an (at least 2 years) older person during adolescence (...).
Participants described five different perceptions of the older persons:
- [1] romantic partner;
- [2] sexual partner;
- [3] authority figure;
- [4] complex/unstable figure; and
- [5] exploiter.
Subsequent analysis, focusing on the role participants assigned to age when describing these different images of older persons, shed additional light on their subjective perceptions; namely, for each image, age had a particular meaning.
This paper may contribute to the understanding of individuals’ experiences of sexual relationships with an older person by emphasizing the complexity of such relationships, as reflected in the participants’ construction of the older person’s image, potentially providing important information that can inform best practice for professionals working with this population.
Findings highlight the need to address diversity and ambiguity rather than the uniform dichotomy that characterizes the legal framing of automatically constructing these relationships as statutory.
Further implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed.
Sexual relationships between an adolescent and an older person are considered controversial and in many countries are conceptualized under the legal definition of statutory relationship/rape. Despite the consensus regarding their potential negative implications, little is known about how adolescents perceive and construct them. To address this lacuna, the current exploratory study examined how individuals who have experienced sexual relationships with an adult while growing up perceived the older person and the meaning they ascribed to the age gap [...]
A qualitative thematic methodology was incorporated in analyzing in-depth semi-structured interviews with 28 individuals (...) who had experienced sexual relationships with an (at least 2 years) older person during adolescence (...).
Participants described five different perceptions of the older persons:
- [1] romantic partner;
- [2] sexual partner;
- [3] authority figure;
- [4] complex/unstable figure; and
- [5] exploiter.
Subsequent analysis, focusing on the role participants assigned to age when describing these different images of older persons, shed additional light on their subjective perceptions; namely, for each image, age had a particular meaning.
This paper may contribute to the understanding of individuals’ experiences of sexual relationships with an older person by emphasizing the complexity of such relationships, as reflected in the participants’ construction of the older person’s image, potentially providing important information that can inform best practice for professionals working with this population.
Findings highlight the need to address diversity and ambiguity rather than the uniform dichotomy that characterizes the legal framing of automatically constructing these relationships as statutory.
Further implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed.
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Book Review
Hubert Kennedy wrote a review of:
Sandfort, Theo, Brongersma Edward, & van Naerssen Alex; Review of: Male Intergenerational Intimacy: Historical, Socio-Psychological, and Legal Perspectives; Journal of Homosexuality:
< https://www.ipce.info/library/book/review-male-intergenerational-intimacy >.
Hubert Kennedy wrote a review of:
Sandfort, Theo, Brongersma Edward, & van Naerssen Alex; Review of: Male Intergenerational Intimacy: Historical, Socio-Psychological, and Legal Perspectives; Journal of Homosexuality:
< https://www.ipce.info/library/book/review-male-intergenerational-intimacy >.
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Review of: Male Intergenerational Intimacy: Historical, Socio-Psychological, and Legal Perspectives;
Journal of Homosexuality;
325 pp
Male Intergenerarional Intimacy is one of a very few academic publications (it originally appeared as an issue of the Journal of Homosexuality) to approach the subject of man/boy love — and it does so very cautiously. Rather than asserting the nonharmfulness of contacts between men and boys, many of the authors here call for further empirical study.
The large number of articles in this volume precludes discussing them in detail, but a brief description of each of them should give an idea of their contents.
This is a good antidote to the hysteria of the moment. No doubt this hysteria will recede, but before it does, like the masturbatory insanity of the 19th century, it will have robbed countless individuals of the joy of living, cruelly forced children into a crippling conformity, and restricted the civil liberties of us all.
Male Intergenerarional Intimacy is one of a very few academic publications (it originally appeared as an issue of the Journal of Homosexuality) to approach the subject of man/boy love — and it does so very cautiously. Rather than asserting the nonharmfulness of contacts between men and boys, many of the authors here call for further empirical study.
The large number of articles in this volume precludes discussing them in detail, but a brief description of each of them should give an idea of their contents.
This is a good antidote to the hysteria of the moment. No doubt this hysteria will recede, but before it does, like the masturbatory insanity of the 19th century, it will have robbed countless individuals of the joy of living, cruelly forced children into a crippling conformity, and restricted the civil liberties of us all.
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'We can't prove sex with children does them harm' says Labour-linked NCCL;
Daily Expess News UK
Evidence has emerged that the views of the Paedophile Information Exchange influenced policy-making at the National Council for Civil Liberties when it was run by former Labour Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt. Hewitt described the NCCL as 'naive and wrong'.
PIE members were lobbying NCCL officials for the age of consent to be reduced and campaigning for “paedophile love”.
Their view that children were not harmed by having sex with adults appears to have been adopted by those at the top of the civil liberties group. ...
“Childhood sexual experiences, willingly engaged in, with an adult result in no identifiable damage. ...
“The real need is a change in the attitude which assumes that all cases of paedophilia result in lasting damage. ...
As the NCCL archives demonstrate, I consistently distinguished between consenting relationships between homosexual men, on the one hand, and the abuse of children on the other."
Evidence has emerged that the views of the Paedophile Information Exchange influenced policy-making at the National Council for Civil Liberties when it was run by former Labour Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt. Hewitt described the NCCL as 'naive and wrong'.
PIE members were lobbying NCCL officials for the age of consent to be reduced and campaigning for “paedophile love”.
Their view that children were not harmed by having sex with adults appears to have been adopted by those at the top of the civil liberties group. ...
“Childhood sexual experiences, willingly engaged in, with an adult result in no identifiable damage. ...
“The real need is a change in the attitude which assumes that all cases of paedophilia result in lasting damage. ...
As the NCCL archives demonstrate, I consistently distinguished between consenting relationships between homosexual men, on the one hand, and the abuse of children on the other."
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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.
;
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 >.
;
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.
;
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.
;
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.
;
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.
;
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'.
;
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.
;
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.”
;
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.
;
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.