Externalizing problems and problematic sexual behaviors: same etiology?

Abstract

The study sought to determine whether maltreatment subtypes, family sexuality, and personal characteristics predicted and distinguished child problematic sexual behaviors (PSB) and externalizing problems (EP). Participants were families of 188 children, 6-11 years old, referred by child welfare services in four Quebec districts. Caregivers completed interviews and questionnaires. Results suggested that family environment and maltreatment subtypes had partially different impacts on PSB and EP. When EP and gender were controlled, younger children in a sexualized family environment and those verbally victimized were more likely to exhibit PSB. When PSB and gender were controlled, verbal abuse and neglect emerged as predictors of EP. Potential implications for child PSB research and interventions are discussed.

Persistence of Problematic Sexual Behaviors in Children

“…These results confirm those of past studies that found extensive family sexuality to be associated with PSB in young children (Bonner et al, 1999;Lévesque et al, 2010). Through processes of direct experience or through social learning, greater exposure to sexualized behaviors in the family may influence younger children's perceptions of what constitutes appropriate sexual behavior as these children have not yet internalized social rules of sexual behavior.…”

“…Given the many parallels with EP, a long-term trajectory of PSB could be possible as well for some children. Consequently, more research is needed to explore the trajectory of PSB in childhood and adolescence in order to shed light on the profile of children likely to persist with PSB over several years (Lévesque et al, 2010).…”

“…Due to attrition, the final sample was composed of 49 children (M ¼ 8.28 years, SD ¼ 1.99). A detailed account of the initial sample is available elsewhere (Lévesque, Bigras, & Pauzé, 2010).…”

The Adaptive Calibration Model of stress responsivity

“…There are large and robust sex differences in the prevalence of externalizing versus internalizing behaviors, with males higher in externalizing and lower in internalizing compared to females (e.g., Boyce et al, 2001; Crijnen et al, 1997; Leadbeater et al, 1999; Shirtcliff and Essex, 2008). Both externalizing and internalizing behaviors correlate with precocious sexuality in juveniles (Lévesque et al, 2010; van Goozen et al, 2002), which is to be expected if they are manifestations of fast, mating-oriented LH strategies.…”

An evolutionary life history approach to understanding mental health

“…30 DICDs have been classified as a representative of fast spectrum psychopathology by many pieces of literature. DICD symptoms are associated with fast life history strategies, such as impulsive behaviour, substance abuse, antisocial behaviour, 41 early sexual debut, 42 more problematic sexual behaviours 43 and early maturation. 44 As for personality, DICDs are associated with low agreeableness, low conscientiousness and high neuroticism.…”