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Fraser JM, Babchishin KM, Helmus LM. Emotional Congruence with Children: An Empirical Examination of Different Models in Men with a History of Sexually Offending Against Children. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2024; 36:546-571. [PMID: 37272074 PMCID: PMC11177559 DOI: 10.1177/10790632231172160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Emotional congruence with children (ECWC) is a psychologically meaningful risk factor for sexual offending against children (SOC). Based on previous research and theory, three models have been proposed to explain ECWC: Blockage, Sexual Domain, and Psychological Immaturity. Using structural equation modelling in a routine correctional sample of men adjudicated for sexual offences (n = 983), we found little support for all three of these models. Instead, we found that atypical sexual interests, alone, best explained ECWC, with a moderate relationship to ECWC. Using the predictors associated with each of the three models of ECWC, we identified three classes of men with a history of SOC who are high in ECWC using latent class analyses (n = 377). These three classes generally did not replicate the three models of ECWC. We instead propose three subgroups of men with histories of SOC who are high in ECWC, characterized respectively by: relationship deficits; youth and loneliness; and high sexual and general criminality. High levels of ECWC are predictive of a higher risk of sexual recidivism, regardless of class association; however, these subgroups are differentially at risk for some types of recidivism. Our findings suggest that ECWC is a multi-faceted construct, which is still not well understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M. Fraser
- Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - L. Maaike Helmus
- Department of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia
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Yoon D, Hofmann MJ, Mokros A, Krüppel J. Explicit measures for emotional congruence with children are related to sexual interests in a male community sample, but not implicit measures. Int J Impot Res 2024:10.1038/s41443-024-00911-9. [PMID: 38902515 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-024-00911-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
This study sought to disentangle several phenotypic correlates of pedophilic sexual interests, such as emotional congruence with children and lack of empathy. We utilized Implicit Association Tests and self-report questionnaires for emotional congruence with children and analyzed the psychometric properties of these measures. Further, we analyzed the associations between these measures and self-reported pedophilic sexual interests and empathy. The sample consisted of 110 adult community males (prevalence of sexual interest in children at least to some extent: 5.5%) with or without child-related jobs (43.6% vs. 56.4%) recruited online in the general population. Overall, we found equivocal parameters for reliability of the implicit and explicit measures of emotional congruence with children (α = 0.29 to 0.76). The self-reported emotional congruence with children was only weakly linked to the implicit positive evaluations of children (r = 0.170, p = 0.039), not linked to empathy except for distress in social interactions (r = 0.199, p = 0.019), and moderately linked to deviant sexual interests in children (r = 0.321 to 0.404, p < 0.001), especially in men working with children (R2 = 0.04, p = 0.027). Further studies are warranted to expand the sample to the offender population and explore the more complex network of constructs related to pedophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahlnym Yoon
- Institute for Forensic Psychology and Forensic Medicine (IFPM), MSH - Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Miriam J Hofmann
- Faculty of Psychology, FernUniversität in Hagen (University of Hagen), Hagen, Germany
| | - Andreas Mokros
- Faculty of Psychology, FernUniversität in Hagen (University of Hagen), Hagen, Germany
| | - Jonas Krüppel
- Faculty of Psychology, FernUniversität in Hagen (University of Hagen), Hagen, Germany
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Erkan V, Schröder J, Briken P, Tozdan S. Factors Associated With Contact Sexual Offending Among a Non-Forensic Sample of Women With Sexual Interest in Children - Results From an Anonymous Online Survey. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2024; 36:418-440. [PMID: 36913772 DOI: 10.1177/10790632231159076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed at assessing the extent to which factors associated with male child sexual offending may also be applicable to women with a self-identified sexual interest in children. Participants (n = 42) took part in an anonymous online survey covering questions about general characteristics, general sexuality, sexual interest in children, and previously-perpetrated contact child sexual abuse. Group comparisons between women who reported committing contact child sexual abuse compared to those who had not were conducted in terms of sample characteristics. Furthermore, the two groups were compared regarding the factors of high sexual activity, use of child abuse material, indication of ICD-11 pedophilic disorder diagnosis, exclusivity of sexual interest in children, emotional congruence with children, and childhood maltreatment. Our results revealed that high sexual activity, indication of ICD-11 pedophilic disorder diagnosis, exclusivity of sexual interest in children, and emotional congruence with children were associated with previous contact child sexual abuse perpetration. We recommend further research on potential risk factors relating to child sexual abuse on the part of women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Erkan
- Department of Psychology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Johanna Schröder
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, Medical School Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peer Briken
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Safiye Tozdan
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Seto MC, Augustyn C, Roche KM, Hilkes G. Empirically-based dynamic risk and protective factors for sexual offending. Clin Psychol Rev 2023; 106:102355. [PMID: 37951100 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
This review provides an overview and update of empirical evidence for psychologically meaningful dynamic risk factors and protective factors for sexual offending. Using the review by Mann et al. (2010) as a starting point, we reviewed relevant literature that has appeared since this publication, focusing on meta-analyses, systematic and scoping reviews of dynamic risk factors, recent evaluations of commonly used dynamic assessment tools, and studies of dynamic risk and protective factors in community samples in addition to clinical or forensic samples. Two risk factors previously deemed promising by Mann et al. (2010), hostility towards women and dysfunctional coping (conceptualized as hostile masculinity and emotional regulation deficits, respectively, in this review), could now be considered supported using this review's criteria of three or more studies demonstrating an effect size of 0.15 or greater. No new risk factors were identified. We conducted a broader search of protective factors in recognition of the relative newness of this literature: Positive social support was the only protective factor identified as empirically supported. We also discuss situational risk and protective factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Seto
- University of Ottawa's Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, 1145 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1Z 7K4, Canada.
| | - Carissa Augustyn
- University of Ottawa's Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, 1145 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1Z 7K4, Canada.
| | - Kailey M Roche
- University of Ottawa's Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, 1145 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1Z 7K4, Canada.
| | - Gabriella Hilkes
- Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada.
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Paquette S, Fortin F. A Peek into Their Mind? An Exploration of Links Between Offense-Supportive Statements and Behaviors among Men Who Sexually Exploit Children and Adolescents Online. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2023; 67:591-617. [PMID: 33957790 PMCID: PMC10052436 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x211013523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
While forensic psychologists have some access to their patients' thoughts when deciding on a diagnosis or appraising risk, others, such as police investigators, must rely on physical evidence and behavioral markers to make sense of a crime. Studies showing that offense-supportive cognitions constitute a risk factor for sexual offending, including offenses that take place on the internet, highlight the need for some access to offenders' thoughts. This exploratory study examines the associations between offense-supportive statements about the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents and proxy behaviors. As part of PRESEL, a collaborative research project between Québec provincial police and academic researchers, the case files of 137 men convicted of using child sexual exploitation material or committing child-luring offenses were analyzed. Results showed that many meaningful risk factors and sexual offending behavioral markers were associated with the cognitive themes Sexualization of children, Child as partner, Dangerous world, Entitlement, and Uncontrollability. The use of encryption was negatively associated with the cognition Virtual is not real while Internet is uncontrollable was associated with fewer contacts with minors over the internet. Findings are useful for understanding the psychological needs that should be targeted in treatment, as well as helping prioritize police workloads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Paquette
- Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Internet Child Exploitation Unit, Sûreté du Québec
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Herrero Ó. Agresores Sexuales que Cometen su Primer Delito cuando Son Mayores. ¿Un Problema del Ciclo Vital? Ó. ANUARIO DE PSICOLOGÍA JURÍDICA 2021. [DOI: 10.5093/apj2021a20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Brankley AE, Babchishin KM, Hanson RK. STABLE-2007 Demonstrates Predictive and Incremental Validity in Assessing Risk-Relevant Propensities for Sexual Offending: A Meta-Analysis. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2021; 33:34-62. [PMID: 31516097 DOI: 10.1177/1079063219871572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
STABLE-2007 is a measure of risk-relevant propensities for adult males convicted of a sexual offense. This meta-analysis evaluated the ability of STABLE-2007 and its items to discriminate between recidivists and nonrecidivists, and the extent to which STABLE-2007 improves prediction over and above Static-99R. Based on 21 studies (12 unique samples, N = 6,955), we found that STABLE-2007 was significantly and incrementally related to sexual recidivism, violent (nonsexual) recidivism, violent (including sexual) recidivism, and any crime. Scores on STABLE-2007 items and the three STABLE-2000 attitude items also discriminated between individuals who sexually reoffended and those who did not sexually reoffend. These findings support the use of STABLE-2007 in applied risk assessment practice and the interpretation of STABLE-2007 items as indicators of treatment and supervision targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E Brankley
- Public Safety Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - R Karl Hanson
- Public Safety Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Abulafia J, Epstein R. Impersonal and Predatory Relations With Child Victims of Sexual Assault: Pedophilic Interest and Early Childhood Abuse. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2020; 64:1741-1756. [PMID: 32539488 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x20928018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fixated pedophilic sexual attraction is considered to be a major determinant of risk among sex offenders, but there is little empirical evidence regarding its treatment. It was hypothesized that two prominent factors which have emerged in the literature as being present among some sexual offenders, namely, impersonal, narcissistic, and predatory patterns of offending against victims, and experiencing childhood sexual abuse, may be related to specifically to the strength of pedophilic interest. Such a relationship would provide a deeper understanding of the corollaries of pedophilic interest and would suggest targets for treatment. These factors were explored in a sample of 532 sexual offenders who attended the National Centre for Risk Assessment in Israel, and were found to be significantly related to the level of pedophilic interest in the sample. The implications for treatment of high-risk offenders are discussed.
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Martijn FM, Babchishin KM, Pullman LE, Seto MC. Sexual Attraction and Falling in Love in Persons with Pedohebephilia. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:1305-1318. [PMID: 32086644 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01579-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Few studies of pedophilia or hebephilia have included questions about romantic attraction. We conducted an anonymous online survey of 306 men who self-reported as sexually attracted to children. The majority (72%) of participants reported they had fallen in love with a child in their lifetime. Participants reported greater feelings of attachment to children than feelings of infatuation. Though sexual attraction and falling in love were strongly correlated, they were not synonymous. Participants who reported pedohebephilia (defined in this study as attraction to prepubescent and pubescent children) were more likely to have fallen in love with a child than participants who reported pedohebe-ephebophilia (defined as attraction to prepubescent, pubescent, and post-pubescent minors). Also, participants with an exclusive attraction to children were more likely to have fallen in love with a child than participants who were equally attracted to children and adults. The results of this study were consistent with the suggestion of Seto (2012) that pedohebephilia could be considered a form of sexual orientation for age, which includes both sexual and romantic attraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederica M Martijn
- Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, 1145 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
| | - Kelly M Babchishin
- Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, 1145 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
| | - Lesleigh E Pullman
- Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, 1145 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
| | - Michael C Seto
- Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, 1145 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada.
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McPhail IV, Nunes KL, Hermann CA, Sewell R, Peacock EJ, Looman J, Fernandez YM. Emotional Congruence with Children: Are Implicit and Explicit Child-Like Self-Concept and Attitude Toward Children Associated with Sexual Offending Against Children? ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2018; 47:2241-2254. [PMID: 30390192 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1288-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Some men convicted of sexual offences against children express an exaggerated affiliation with childhood, ascribe child-like characteristics to themselves, experience strong non-sexual liking of children, and hold positive views of children and childhood. These features are generally called emotional congruence with children. The present study examined child-like self-concept, which is an association of self with children and child-like characteristics, attitude toward children, and general emotional congruence with children as correlates of sexual offending against children and pedophilia. Male participants (18 sexual offenders against unrelated children; 7 incest offenders; 22 non-sexual offenders; 54 students) completed newly developed implicit and explicit measures of child-like self-concept and attitude toward children, as well as more established self-report measures of emotional congruence with children. Assessments of pedophilic interest and sexual recidivism risk were obtained from official file information. Sexual offenders against unrelated children reported higher levels of implicit child-like self-concept and self-reported emotional congruence with children when compared to the other three groups. Implicit child-like self-concept showed a small correlation with emotional congruence measures, whereas implicit attitude toward children was moderately correlated with the emotional congruence measures. Implicit child-like self-concept, implicit attitude toward children, and the emotional congruence measures were associated with greater pedophilic interest and sexual recidivism risk. The present findings provide a nuanced understanding of the emotional congruence with children construct and have implications for theory, research, and treatment of sexual offenders against children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian V McPhail
- Department of Psychology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5A5, Canada.
| | - Kevin L Nunes
- Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Chantal A Hermann
- Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Rikki Sewell
- Correctional Service Canada, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jan Looman
- Providence Care Mental Health Services, Kingston, ON, Canada
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