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McPhail IV, Stephens S. Development and Initial Validation of Measures of Proximal Stigmas and Experiences of Discrimination for Minor Attracted People. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:2123-2139. [PMID: 38578366 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02842-4] [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: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Stigma-related stressors are central to understanding psychopathology, distress, and coping in stigmatized groups; individuals who experience attractions to children are a highly stigmatized group. Currently, few validated self-report measures exist to assess stigma-related stressors in minor attracted people (MAPs) and the current research describes the development and initial validation of two measures of internalized stigma and experiences of discrimination. A sample of MAPs (n = 289; mean age = 31.8 years, SD = 12.2) was recruited online and completed a set of self-report measures assessing stigma-related stress, negative mental health outcomes, substance use, and coping. Exploratory factor analyses of the two newly developed stigma-related stress measures were conducted and convergent associations with other constructs were examined for validity evidence. Exploratory factor analyses indicated a two-factor solution to both the measure of internalized stigma and experiences of discrimination. The total scale scores and factors scores generally demonstrated the anticipated patterns of correlations with mental health concerns, distress, coping, and substance use. Clinical intervention with MAPs may benefit from an exploration of stigma-related stressors in clients' lives to improve mental health outcomes. The relatively large sample that was recruited from multiple online forums is a strength of the current study. The use of a self-report measurement modality for all measures used in the study weakens that strength of the validation evidence presented here. These results provide initial validity evidence for the measures of stigma-related stress in MAPs and the promise of stigma processes in understanding negative outcomes in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian V McPhail
- Department of Psychology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
- Moore Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse, Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 600 N Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| | - Skye Stephens
- Department of Psychology, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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2
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Ingram M, Letourneau EJ, Nestadt PS. Themes Associated with Suicidal Ideation and Behavior Among People Attracted to Children. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:1343-1360. [PMID: 38200329 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02770-9] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Suicide represents a significant public health problem, with around 800,000 deaths per year worldwide and up to 20 times as many episodes of self-harm and suicide attempts. Members of stigmatized groups may experience increased risk of suicide due in part to stigma-related factors, such as expectations of rejection, internalization of negative stereotypes, or potential for greater social isolation. Research suggests that adults who are attracted to children face extreme stigma, even those who do not commit sexual crimes involving children. Adults who are attracted to children also experience significantly increased risk for suicidal ideation and behavior (SIB) compared to general population samples. The current study sought to explore experiences with SIB among adults attracted to children to better understand factors underlying suicidality in this population. The lead author conducted semi-structured interviews in a community sample of 15 adults attracted to children who self-reported some form of SIB in their lifetime. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, the lead author explored and interpreted interview data to generate themes driven by respondents' characterizations of their SIB. Superordinate themes related to suicidality in this sample included low self-esteem or self-worth, cumulative impacts of the attraction and other stressors, and concerns about the ability to have a positive future due to the attraction. Findings underscore the importance of addressing internalized stigma, treating problems like depression and social isolation, and instilling hope for the future to promote mental health and prevent SIB among adults attracted to children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie Ingram
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 415 N. Washington St., Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA.
| | - Elizabeth J Letourneau
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 415 N. Washington St., Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Paul S Nestadt
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 415 N. Washington St., Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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3
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Bekkers LMJ, Leukfeldt ER, Holt TJ. Online Communities for Child-Attracted Persons as Informal Mental Health Care: Exploring Self-Reported Wellbeing Outcomes. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2024; 36:158-184. [PMID: 36720258 DOI: 10.1177/10790632231154882] [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
Online support communities are gaining attention among child-attracted persons (CAPs). Though research has largely focused on the negative consequences these environments create for potential offending, they may also provide a beneficial alternative to more formal treatment settings. To assess the utility for clinical and therapeutic purposes, this analysis focused on subcultural dynamics to examine self-reported wellbeing outcomes of participation in a Dutch forum for CAPs. A total of 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted with moderators, members and mental health professionals involved in the community. Thematic analyses demonstrated that by means of informal social control, bonds of trust and social relational education, the network aims to regulate the behavior and enhance the wellbeing of its marginalized participants. Key outcomes include a decreased sense of loneliness and better coping with stigma, to the point that participants experience less suicidal thoughts. Association with prosocial peers also helps to set moral boundaries regarding behavior towards children, although we cannot fully rule out potential adverse influences. Online support networks offer a stepping stone to professional care that fits individual needs of CAPs, while also providing an informal environment that overcomes limitations of physical therapy and that extents principles of existing prevention and desistance approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M J Bekkers
- The Hague University of Applied Sciences, The Hague, Netherlands
| | - E R Leukfeldt
- The Hague University of Applied Sciences, The Hague, Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - T J Holt
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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Swaby H, Lievesley R. "Falling Through the Cracks": A Retrospective Exploration of the Barriers to Help-Seeking Among Men Convicted of Sexual Crimes. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2023; 35:812-841. [PMID: 36537848 DOI: 10.1177/10790632221146501] [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: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence and impact of sexual abuse is of global concern, and the alarming rates of victimization have inspired a focus on its prevention. Whilst research has begun to explore the experiences of non-offending individuals to inform prevention initiatives, there is limited exploration of those who have struggled with their sexual interests and go on to commit sexual crime. Arguably these individuals hold key information about gaps in service provision, which may inform approaches to crime prevention. This study aimed to provide a phenomenological exploration of the pre-offense experiences of convicted individuals' beliefs about help-seeking, their desires for support, and any barriers that might have prevented them from coming forward for help. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 individuals convicted of sexual offenses (n = 13 against children; n = 1 sexually motivated violence), and interpretative phenomenological analysis elicited three superordinate themes: Desperation, Barriers to Help-seeking and A Way Forward. The findings shed light on the distressing experience of living with sexual interests that are so openly rejected by society and the many ways participants attempted to cope with this, including multiple failed attempts to seek help. Implications and limitations are discussed.
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Ingram M, Thorne E, Letourneau EJ, Nestadt PS. Self-Esteem, Perceived Social Support, and Suicidal Ideation and Behavior Among Adults Attracted to Children. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228221150304. [PMID: 36630479 DOI: 10.1177/00302228221150304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: People who are attracted to children may be at elevated risk for suicidal ideation and behavior compared to the general population. However, factors associated with suicidal ideation and behavior in this population represent a gap in the literature.Methods: The current study used multilinear regression to explore the impact of self-esteem and perceived social support on suicidal ideation and behavior in a sample of 154 adults attracted to children. Mediation analysis was conducted to investigate the role of lifetime major depressive disorder and hopelessness in these relationships.Results: Results showed high prevalence of past-year and lifetime suicidal ideation and behavior in the sample. Both self-esteem and perceived social support demonstrated significant, inverse relationships with suicidal ideation and behavior after adjustment for covariates. Mediation analyses provided support for the role of hopelessness, but not depression, in these relationships.Conclusion: Results demonstrate high rates of suicidal ideation and behavior among adults attracted to children and highlight important opportunities for prevention and intervention. Improving self-esteem, bolstering perceived social support, reducing hopelessness, and removing barriers to help-seeking may be targets for improving mental health and preventing suicidal ideation and behavior in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie Ingram
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Evelyn Thorne
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Letourneau
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Paul S Nestadt
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Schaefer A, Wittenberg A, Galynker I, Cohen LJ. Qualitative Analysis of Minor Attracted Persons' Subjective Experience: Implications for Treatment. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2023; 49:391-411. [PMID: 36147026 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2022.2126808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Treatment for Minor Attracted Persons is inadequate and difficult to access. This qualitative study examined community-based MAPs' responses to narrative questions about their experiences and what they want society to understand, using an iterative thematic analysis. Notable responses from the participants included: 1) sexual attraction does not equal action; 2) minor attraction is immutable; 3) stigma leads to psychological burden; 4) therapy should aim to reduce distress, not change sexual feelings; and 5) sexual behavior can be controlled and remain within legal parameters. Further understanding of MAPs' experiences is key for developing more efficacious treatment modalities to help them live meaningful lives without endangering children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelle Schaefer
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alexander Wittenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Igor Galynker
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lisa J Cohen
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, New York, New York, USA
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Lievesley R, Harper CA, Swaby H, Woodward E. Identifying and working with appropriate treatment targets with people who are sexually attracted to children. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2022:1-20. [PMID: 36522827 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2022.2149437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Research has shown that people within society experience sexual attractions to children, and a substantial number of these seek support related to this. However, professional practices around working with minor-attracted persons (MAPs) are variable. Clinicians possess low levels of knowledge about this population and are unclear about the correct treatment goals. In this work we explored the prioritization of different treatment goals by MAPs (n = 150), before investigating the demographic, sexuality-related, and psychological predictors of treatment target prioritization. Self-compassion drove many treatment targets among MAPs. We offer recommendations about how professionals might work collaboratively and effectively with this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Craig A Harper
- NTU Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Helen Swaby
- Department of Counselling, Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln, UK
| | - Ellie Woodward
- NTU Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
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8
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Jahnke S, Blagden N, Hill L. Pedophile, Child Lover, or Minor-Attracted Person? Attitudes Toward Labels Among People Who are Sexually Attracted to Children. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:4125-4139. [PMID: 36175817 PMCID: PMC9663395 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02331-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The primary label for people who are sexually attracted to children ("pedophile") is conflated with sexual offending behavior and tainted with stigma. In the present pre-registered mixed-method study, we therefore investigated attitudes and preferences regarding "pedophile/hebephile" and other labels among 286 people who report a stronger or equally strong sexual attraction to prepubescent and pubescent children than to adults. Overall, quantitative data showed acceptance of "pedophile/hebephile" as well as a range of alternative labels in a personal (Labeling Oneself) and a professional context (Being Labeled by Others). "Minor-attracted person" and "pedophile/hebephile" received generally higher support than other terms and appeared to be least divisive across three major online fora. Qualitative data revealed four themes: "Contested self-labels," "Person-first language and pathologizing sexuality/identity," "Stigma and shame," and "Reclaiming the pedophile label." Our results allow deeper insight into reasons for adopting certain labels over others, as well as difficulties of finding a non-stigmatizing label. We discuss limitations of the study and practical implications for clinical and research contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Jahnke
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, University of Bergen, Postboks 7807, 5020, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Psychology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland.
| | - Nicholas Blagden
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Laura Hill
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
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Media Coverage of Pedophilia and Its Impact on Help-Seeking Persons with Pedophilia in Germany—A Focus Group Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159356. [PMID: 35954714 PMCID: PMC9368625 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The public stigma associated with pedophilia, the sexual attraction to prepubescent children, is tremendous. Previous research indicates that undifferentiated media coverage plays an essential role in perpetuating the public stigma by falsely equating pedophilia and child sexual abuse (CSA) and thus may stop persons suffering from a pedophilic disorder from seeking professional help. Until now, a comprehensive examination of positive as well as negative media effects on affected individuals is missing. Therefore, the present study explores if and how media coverage impacts the lives of help-seeking persons with pedophilia by conducting four qualitative focus group discussions with a clinical sample (N = 20) from the German Prevention Network “Kein Täter werden”. Present results demonstrate that media coverage of pedophilia was perceived as mostly undifferentiated, even though participants observed an increase in fact-based reporting over the years. Moreover, it seems that media coverage has strong emotional and behavioral consequences for patients (e.g., negative reporting reduced self-esteem). In sum, our results highlight that differentiated media coverage could play a key role in supporting help-seeking persons with pedophilic disorder, while the impact of undifferentiated media coverage appears to be mostly negative. Therefore, our results point to the need to reframe pedophilia using differentiated media coverage to help affected persons receive treatment efficiently and thereby prevent CSA.
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Steel CMS, Newman E, O’Rourke S, Quayle E. Suicidal ideation in offenders convicted of child sexual exploitation material offences. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2022; 40:365-378. [PMID: 35043473 PMCID: PMC9541809 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the prevalence of suicidal ideation in Child Sexual Exploitation Material (CSEM) offenders and their psychological concerns provides the basis for early treatment and intervention. This research solicited responses (n = 78) via an anonymous, web-based survey from adults in the United States previously convicted of CSEM offences. Significant suicidal ideation was present in 73% of respondents (n = 57), and 19% (n = 15) reported attempting suicide after they were made aware of an investigation, with 41% (n = 32) stating they would have been likely to seek counselling if provided a contact. Most of the respondents felt they were not treated with fairness, understanding, and compassion by investigators, and that their primary psychological strains were going to jail and their families finding out. This research highlights the need for more empathetic investigative approaches, as well as the need for more rapid assessment and treatment of proximal suicide risk in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad M. S. Steel
- University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- MS 2B5George Mason UniversityFairfaxVirginiaUSA
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11
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Lievesley R, Swaby H, Harper CA, Woodward E. Primary Health Professionals' Beliefs, Experiences, and Willingness to Treat Minor-Attracted Persons. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:923-943. [PMID: 35084616 PMCID: PMC8793822 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02271-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
There is a desire and need among minor-attracted persons (MAPs) to access support within the community, and this often begins with an approach to healthcare providers working in general medical/mental health settings. However, little is known about the experiences of these non-specialist professionals in relation to their beliefs, knowledge, and decision-making processes when working with patients who disclose sexual attractions to children. Using an online survey, this study explored the knowledge, comfort, competence, and treatment willingness of 220 non-specialist healthcare providers when faced with patients who disclose sexual attractions to children. We investigated how often such disclosures were made, clinician stigma, treatment priorities, and professionals' willingness to report MAPs to external agencies because of their sexual attractions. Some key differences were found when comparing primary medical vs. mental health professionals, including increased likelihood to view MAPs as dangerous, unable to control behaviors and that sexual attractions are an avoidable choice, in the former group. Both groups prioritized mental health treatment targets above controlling attractions and living with stigmatized attractions, although controlling or changing attractions were still relatively high priorities. Results indicated a need for further training, focusing on increasing comfort around working with MAPs, as this was associated with a greater willingness to work with this group. We identify current gaps in service provision for MAPs seeking professional support and discuss recommendations for professional training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Lievesley
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham, NG1 4FQ, UK.
| | - Helen Swaby
- Department of Counselling, Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln, UK
| | - Craig A Harper
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham, NG1 4FQ, UK
| | - Ellie Woodward
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham, NG1 4FQ, UK
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Gullotta M, Greenberg D, Albalawi O, Adily A, Karminia A, Knight L, Ellis A, Butler TG. Self-harm and suicidality among three subgroups of male sex offenders: results from an Australian prisoner cohort. HEALTH & JUSTICE 2021; 9:19. [PMID: 34318345 PMCID: PMC8317271 DOI: 10.1186/s40352-021-00146-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prisoners complete suicide and self-harm more frequently than members of the community. Sex offenders have been found to be at greater risk of engaging in these behaviours. This study examines the characteristics, prevalence, and predictors of self-harm and suicide attempts among: sex offenders that only victimise children (ChildSOs); adults (AdultSOs); or both (age-crossover polymorphous; PolySOs). METHODS Data from three waves (1996, 2001, 2009) of the New South Wales (NSW) Inmate Health Survey was linked to the State's re-offending database to identify men with histories of sexual offending. The health surveys captured self-report data on self-harm and suicidality. RESULTS Non-sexual violent offenders (15%) and AdultSOs (14%) had the highest rate of self-harm, significantly more than ChildSOs (11%), non-sexual non-violent offenders (10%), and PolySOs (0%). Several factors significantly predicted self-harm at the bivariate level for both ChildSOs and AdultSOs, with unique predictors for each group. At the multivariate level, manic-depression trended towards significance for ChildSOs and any mental health condition remained a significant predictor for AdultSOs who self-harmed relative to AdultSOs who had not (aOR = 11.989, 95%CI [1.14, 126.66]). Approximately 23% of AdultSOs, 22% of PolySOs, and 19% of ChildSOs reported a suicide attempt throughout their lifetime, whereas only 15% of non-sexual non-violent offenders reported an attempt. At the bivariate level, few factors were significant for ChildSOs while several factors were significant for AdultSOs. At the multivariate level, a diagnosis of depression and treatment with psychiatric medication trended towards being significant predictors of suicide attempts for ChildSOs. In contrast, treatment with psychiatric medication (aOR = 25.732, 95%CI [1.91, 347.19])] remained a significant predictor for AdultSOs who attempted suicide relative to AdultSOs who had not, as well as historical psychiatric hospitalisation (aOR = 6.818, 95%CI [1.04, 44.82]) and self-harm (aOR = 5.825, 95%CI [1.31, 25.99]). CONCLUSION Sex offenders are at significantly higher risk of attempting and completing suicide relative to non-sexual non-violent offenders and warrant special attention. The prevalence rates and predictors of self-harm and suicidality suggest differences between sex offender subgroups may exist. These hold implications for the criminal justice and public health systems for addressing needs and identifying those most at risk of self-harm and suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew Gullotta
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - David Greenberg
- Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, Sydney, NSW 2036 Australia
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Olayan Albalawi
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
- Department of Statistics, Tabuk University, Tabuk, 47512 Saudi Arabia
| | - Armita Adily
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Azar Karminia
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Lee Knight
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
- Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, Sydney, NSW 2036 Australia
| | - Andrew Ellis
- Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, Sydney, NSW 2036 Australia
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Tony Gerard Butler
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
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Lawrence AL, Willis GM. Understanding and Challenging Stigma Associated With Sexual Interest in Children: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2021; 33:144-162. [PMID: 38596748 PMCID: PMC10906971 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2020.1865498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The stigmatization of people with pedophilia was previously identified as a "blind spot" in stigma research. This systematic review updates and expands on Jahnke and Hoyer's 2013 review to understand (1) factors contributing to stigma toward people with sexual interest in children, (2) experiences of stigma, and (3) how stigma can be challenged and reduced. Thematic synthesis was used to analyze data from 35 studies from the United Kingdom, United States, The Netherlands, Germany, Canada, Norway, Australia, and New Zealand. Overarching themes were (1) misperceptions and stereotypes, (2) negative affective responses, (3) discrimination, (4) mental distress, (5) internalized public stigma, (6) negative effects of disclosure, and (7 and 8) informative and humanizing interventions. Findings highlighted substantial prevalence of stigma toward and amongst people with sexual interest in children, and methodological limitations of extant research. An agenda for future research is discussed, emphasizing how stigma can be challenged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L. Lawrence
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gwenda M. Willis
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Stelzmann D, Jahnke S, Kuhle LF. Media Coverage of Pedophilia: Benefits and Risks from Healthcare Practitioners' Point of View. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17165739. [PMID: 32784429 PMCID: PMC7460489 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The fierce stigma associated with pedophilia may interfere with attempts to prevent sexual offending. Prior research on the effects of media reports about pedophilia mostly focused on their role in perpetuating stigma in the general population. In order to better understand potential benefits and risks of the media coverage on people with pedophilia and specialized prevention and treatment efforts, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 11 healthcare practitioners of the German Prevention Network “Don’t offend”. Healthcare practitioners described positive (e.g., raising awareness for prevention offers) as well as negative (e.g., perpetuating the existing public stigma) effects of the media coverage and estimated that only about one-third of media coverage portrays pedophilia realistically. To destigmatize pedophilia and benefit the prevention of child sexual abuse, a fact box for journalists was developed based on practitioners’ expert knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Stelzmann
- Institute of Sexology and Sexual Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany;
- Institute for Media and Communication Studies, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Sara Jahnke
- Department of Psychology, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany;
| | - Laura F. Kuhle
- Institute of Sexology and Sexual Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany;
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Parr J, Pearson D. Non-Offending Minor-Attracted Persons: Professional Practitioners' Views on the Barriers to Seeking and Receiving Their Help. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2019; 28:945-967. [PMID: 31525147 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2019.1663970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Individuals who are attracted to minors but have abstained from sexual offending (non-offending minor-attracted persons) are an under-researched, hard-to-reach population. The current study explored professionals' perspectives of the barriers this population faces in seeking and receiving help and how these barriers can be reduced. Twenty professionals read an original vignette and answered a series of questions via an online survey. Using an inductive thematic analysis, the accessibility of treatment and perceived risk of disclosure emerged as the main barriers to seeking and receiving help. To reduce these barriers a number of potential solutions were suggested, including increasing publicity, educating the public, and offering enhanced training to professionals. This research should bolster future efforts to prevent child sexual abuse and contribute to strategies focused on helping non-offending minor-attracted persons manage their attraction in a pro-social way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Parr
- Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Dominic Pearson
- Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
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