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Campbell CL, Wamser RA. Children with sexual behavior problems: Ties to child maltreatment, family functioning, and help-seeking. J Trauma Stress 2024; 37:35-46. [PMID: 37880835 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Although the literature on children's sexual behavior problems (SBPs) has indicated that maltreatment and family dysfunction are linked to SBPs, several facets of these factors have remained unexamined. Prior research has largely focused on SBPs more broadly, though interpersonal SBPs (ISBPs) are likely a distinct, more severe SBP subtype. The aim of the current study was to examine potentially relevant, unexplored factors, including the number of types of and total allegations of maltreatment as well as familial characteristics (i.e., parenting attitudes and behaviors, discipline methods, family functioning, and help-seeking) in relation to SBPs and ISBPs. The present study included 8-year-old children (N = 1,011, 51.1% female, 53.8% Black) and their caregivers from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) study. In the model for SBPs, externalizing symptoms, the number of types of maltreatment allegations, maladaptive discipline methods, and help-seeking were associated with SBPs, whereas child's gender, race/ethnicity, internalizing symptoms, total maltreatment allegations, income, family functioning, and parenting attitudes were unrelated, r2 = .23. When ISBPs were examined, only child's gender and externalizing symptoms were tied to ISBPs, r2 = .09. However, child's race/ethnicity and internalizing symptoms, as well as maltreatment experiences, family factors, and help-seeking, were not associated with ISBPs. These findings highlight the importance of broader externalizing symptoms for both SBPs and ISBPs as well as the role of multiple types of maltreatment, parenting behavior, and help-seeking in the context of general SBPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia L Campbell
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Rachel A Wamser
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Choi JY, Hyunmi K. Factors Related to General Sexual Behavior of Children Under 10 Years Old in Korea. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2024; 33:85-101. [PMID: 38160444 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2023.2299477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The risk factors for intrusive or problematic sexual behavior in a specific population, including abused or clinically referred children, have been occasionally explored. However, sexual behaviors broadly in the general population have not been investigated. This study aimed to determine whether child characteristics, exposure to trauma, family factors, and exposure to sexuality, which were proposed as predictors of sexual behavior problems in previous studies, significantly affected the general sexual behaviors of children under 10 years in the Korean population. The parents of 652 children aged 3-9 years in a Korean community completed questionnaires, including the Child Sexual Behavior Inventory, the Korean version of the Child Behavior Checklist, Trauma Symptom for Young Children, the Korean version of the Family Inventory of Life and Change, the Dysfunctional Parenting Scale, and exposure to trauma and sexuality. Regression analysis indicated that children's age, externalizing behavior problems, post-traumatic symptoms, exposure to trauma, and exposure to sexuality were significant predictors of overall sexual behaviors. Therefore, it may be helpful to explore trauma and exposure to sexuality even to understand a child's general sexual behavior. In addition, psychoeducation can help parents monitor and reset family boundaries and sexual exposure that can affect children's sexual behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kang Hyunmi
- Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- Gyeonggido Women & Family Foundation, Gyeonggido, Republic of Korea
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Hunt GR, Higgins DJ, Willis ML, Harris L. Scoping Review of the Definitions Used to Describe and Understand Harmful Sexual Behaviors in Children and Young People. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023:15248380231218294. [PMID: 38153115 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231218294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing body of evidence that adolescents, and other children, are responsible for a significant proportion of sexual abuse against children. However, there are substantial differences in how this phenomenon is defined and conceptualized between and within sectors. This scoping review explored the current definitions of harmful sexual behaviors (HSB), and other similar terms, used across a range of stakeholder groups. In all, 141 papers were reviewed from both empirical and gray literature sources, including key policy and practice documents. Included papers needed to list a clear definition for the behavior of interest. There was disagreement and inconsistency across the included papers in their conceptualization of harmful, abusive, or problematic sexual behavior (PSB) in children and adolescents. Although the term HSB has been adopted as an umbrella term or continuum in many policy, practice, and research settings, there is a large variance in behaviors, treatment needs, etiology, and harms present across different types of sexual behavior. Relying solely on one term to describe a wide range of sexual behaviors in children and young people may limit the understanding of this issue and imply similarities between groups that are not present. We suggest that clearly defined subsets of HSB, such as sexual abuse, technology-assisted HSB, and PSB, may give more context to the behavior of concern and may be helpful in informing further research, prevention, and best practice approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lottie Harris
- Australian Catholic University, Banyo, QLD, Australia
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Mori C, Park J, Racine N, Ganshorn H, Hartwick C, Madigan S. Exposure to sexual content and problematic sexual behaviors in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 143:106255. [PMID: 37343427 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to sexual content, such as online pornography or live sexual content, has been posited in the literature as a risk factor for problematic sexual behaviors (PSBs) in children and adolescents, and has been identified as an important avenue for research and intervention, particularly given the ubiquitous access to technology among children. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between live/violent and non-violent sexual content exposure and PSB among children and adolescents. Objectives also include informing future research on sexual content exposure as a risk factor for PSB, and providing clinical recommendations related to prevention and intervention. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Results are based on 16,200 participants (28.65 % female; Mage = 14.26; range = 4.74-17.92) and 27 studies conducted in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. METHODS A systematic review was conducted of available literature published up to September 2021. Abstract and full-text review were conducted to assess whether studies met inclusion criteria. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted on included studies. RESULTS Significant associations were found between exposure to non-violent sexual content and likelihood of engaging in PSB (OR = 1.82; p < .001; 95 % CI: 1.50-2.21), and between exposure to violent/live sexual content and PSB (OR = 2.52; p < .001; 95 % CI: 1.75-3.61). Sex emerged as a moderator of the association between exposure to non-violent sexual content and PSB, such that the association was stronger in studies with a greater proportion of females. CONCLUSIONS Results support the need for future research on risk factors and mechanisms implicated in PSB. Prevention and intervention programs for children with PSB and their families could benefit from incorporating education on sexual content exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Mori
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, 28 Oki Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 6A8, Canada.
| | - Julianna Park
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, 99 University Ave, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Nicole Racine
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Vanier 4087, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - Heather Ganshorn
- Libraries and Cultural Resources, Taylor Family Digital Library, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Cailey Hartwick
- Child Abuse Service, Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, 400-3820 24 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 2X9, Canada.
| | - Sheri Madigan
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, 28 Oki Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 6A8, Canada.
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Allen B, Pistone LF. Psychometric evaluation of a single-item screening tool for the presence of problematic sexual behavior among preteen children. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 143:106327. [PMID: 37390590 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preteen children with problematic sexual behavior (PSB) are increasingly coming to the attention of mental health professionals. However, efforts to provide clinical care to these children are hampered by the limited dissemination and implementation of effective screening procedures. OBJECTIVE A single-item screening tool designed for implementation in mental health settings was developed and tested for psychometric quality. PARTICIPANTS Participants included caregivers of children receiving clinical services as a result of displaying PSB and/or subsequent to disclosure of child maltreatment (n = 341). METHODS Caregivers completed the single-item tool at the onset of services and approximately 15 days later. In addition, caregivers completed the Child Sexual Behavior Inventory, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and the Child Stress Disorder Checklist-Short Form at the initial assessment. RESULTS Analyses demonstrated acceptable test-retest reliability of the tool (phi = 0.70-0.74, p < .001). Validity was established by showing that caregivers providing a positive response on the single-item tool scored children significantly higher on a full-length measure assessing PSB than caregivers denying such concerns on the single-item tool (t = 7.28-9.8, p < .001). However, scores on measures of internalizing concerns and posttraumatic stress symptoms were not distinguished by caregiver responses to the single item tool. CONCLUSIONS The newly developed single-item tool appears to offer an efficient, reliable, and valid method of screening preteen children for the presence of PSB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Allen
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA; Center for the Protection of Children, Penn State Children's Hospital, Hershey, PA, USA.
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Allen B. Etiological Pathways to the Emergence of Preteen Problematic Sexual Behavior: An Exploratory Mediational Model. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2023; 35:488-502. [PMID: 36120955 DOI: 10.1177/10790632221128313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Studies examining the etiology of problematic sexual behavior (PSB) among pre-teen children often rely on identifying correlational relationships without examining potential causal mechanisms. This study describes an exploratory analysis of a potential mediational model where child sexual abuse (CSA) and child physical abuse (CPA) predict the onset of PSB through their impact on the emergence of posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms and self-dysregulation. The caregivers of 189 children between the ages of 3 and 11 years presenting for mental health treatment in the United States completed a battery of measures designed to assess each of the variables in the model. Cross-sectional, regression-based mediational analyses showed that the overall model performed adequately (R = 0.33, R2 = 0.11, F = 3.07, p = .004). CSA exerted a direct effect on PSB that was not mediated through either PTS or self-dysregulation. However, no direct effect for CPA was found. Rather, CPA exerted a significant effect on the display of self-dysregulation, which in turn was associated with PSB. These results are discussed in light of clinical implications and directions for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Allen
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
- Center for the Protection of Children, Penn State Children's Hospital, Hershey, PA, USA
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Allen B. Etiological Perspectives on Problematic Sexual Behavior of Preteen Children: Implications for Treatment. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2023; 26:50-64. [PMID: 36094684 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-022-00412-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Problematic sexual behavior (PSB) among preteen children is a poorly understood clinical phenomenon that may leave even the most skilled and knowledgeable of clinicians at a loss when attempting to develop an evidence-based treatment approach. Much of this lack of practical direction can be credited to the relatively scarce clinical trial research examining this outcome. Nonetheless, the etiological research on PSB provides clearer directions and suggests the implementation of already well-established interventions may be effective. This paper reviews the current state of the etiological research pertaining to PSB and places these findings within developmental psychopathology, social learning theory, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptomatology frameworks. Specific treatment directives derived from these three viewpoints are then reviewed, including a review of the current evidence base for the treatment of PSB. Finally, a treatment planning algorithm is specified to help clinicians identify the most beneficial approach to treating PSB in a given case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Allen
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
- Center for the Protection of Children, Penn State Children's Hospital, Hershey, PA, USA.
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Wamser-Nanney R, Campbell CL. Sexual Behavior Problems Among Sexually Abused Children: Associations With Co-Occurring Symptoms. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2022; 27:78-87. [PMID: 33213197 DOI: 10.1177/1077559520971362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Sexual behavior problems (SBPs) and interpersonal SBPs (ISBPs) among sexually abused children often occur alongside a variety of other clinical difficulties, such as externalizing problems, attentional difficulties, social concerns, and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Yet, as few studies have examined these links in a multivariate manner, it is unclear which symptoms are most strongly related to SBPs and ISBPs. Research regarding children's reports of their difficulties and SBPs and ISBPs is also very limited. The current study investigated the relations between both caregiver- and child-reported trauma-related symptoms and SBPs and ISBPs among 248 treatment-seeking sexually abused children (ages 6-12; M = 8.06, SD = 2.52; 64.5% female; 55.6% white). Children's caregiver-reported trauma-related sexual concerns and anger were associated with SBPs. For ISBPs, only caregiver-reported sexual concerns were related to ISBPs. Surprisingly, none of the child-reported symptoms were associated with either SBPs or ISBPs. Trauma-related sexual concerns and anger may be tied to SBPs, whereas other clinical difficulties may be less strongly implicated. Trauma-related sexual concerns may be most important in understanding interpersonally focused SBPs. Children's self-reported difficulties may be unrelated to caregiver-reported SBPs, or these results may be a function of a low degree of caregiver and child symptom concordance.
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DeLago C, Schroeder CM, Cooper B, Deblinger E, Dudek E, Yu R, Finkel MA. Children who engaged in interpersonal problematic sexual behaviors. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 105:104260. [PMID: 31776010 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over one-third of inappropriate sexual contact experienced by children is initiated by other children. Many studies examined child initiators (CIs) of interpersonal problematic sexual behaviors (IPSBs). This study uniquely links CI information with types of sexual contact as described by children they engaged in IPSBs. OBJECTIVE Describe CIs' characteristics and types of sexual acts they initiated. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING Medical charts of CIs and children they engaged in IPSBs. Examinations occurred between 2002 and 2013. METHODS Retrospective chart review. RESULTS Most CIs were male (83%) and related to the child they engaged in IPSBs (75%); mean age was 10 years (range 4-17); 58% reported viewing sexually explicit media; 47% experienced sexual abuse. Most CIs (68%) engaged in multiple types of IPSBs. Children who experienced IPSBs initiated by males reported engagement in greater numbers of invasive acts (t(216) = 2.03, p = .043). Older CIs were more likely than younger CIs to report viewing sexually explicit media (χ2(1) = 7.81, p = .007) and those who did were more likely to initiate more invasive acts (t(169) = 2.52, p = .013) compared to CIs who did not. CONCLUSIONS In this study, most CIs were young and experienced multiple adverse events; the most common types of IPSBs were invasive; and over half the CIs had been exposed to sexually explicit media, which was associated with initiating invasive sexual acts. These findings suggest aiming prevention efforts at young children to help them manage exposure to sexually explicit media and redress victimization experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia DeLago
- CARES Institute, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (RowanSOM), 42 E. Laurel Road, Stratford, NJ, 08084, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Einstein Medical Center-Philadelphia, 5501 Old York Road, Philadelphia, PA 19141, United States
| | - Christine M Schroeder
- CARES Institute, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (RowanSOM), 42 E. Laurel Road, Stratford, NJ, 08084, United States
| | - Beth Cooper
- CARES Institute, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (RowanSOM), 42 E. Laurel Road, Stratford, NJ, 08084, United States
| | - Esther Deblinger
- CARES Institute, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (RowanSOM), 42 E. Laurel Road, Stratford, NJ, 08084, United States
| | - Emily Dudek
- CARES Institute, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (RowanSOM), 42 E. Laurel Road, Stratford, NJ, 08084, United States
| | - Regina Yu
- CARES Institute, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (RowanSOM), 42 E. Laurel Road, Stratford, NJ, 08084, United States
| | - Martin A Finkel
- CARES Institute, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (RowanSOM), 42 E. Laurel Road, Stratford, NJ, 08084, United States.
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