Modifying Sexual Preferences

Interventions for Pedohebephilic Arousal in Men Convicted for Sexual Offenses Against Children: A Meta-Analytic Review

“…Systematic reviews indicate that behavioral treatments for pedohebephilic interests have the effect of decreasing interest in children and increasing interest in female and male adults (Kelly, 1982; Laws & Marshall, 1991). A more recent, nonsystematic review of behavioral treatments reached this same conclusion (Marshall et al, 2009). However, findings from single research studies indicate that behavioral treatments may have limited effects on increasing men’s arousal to adults (Crolley et al, 1998; Johnston et al, 1992; Jones, 2014).…”

“…Comprehensive programs typically last a lengthy period of time, given the range of psychosocial issues addressed in these programs. However, there are compelling reasons for why additional foci in programs such as improving intimacy skills and developing healthy sexuality are important aspects of treatment, if reducing sexual recidivism is the aim of treatment (Marshall et al, 2009). Such a long period between test and retest may have also reduced detected treatment effects.…”

“…In general, behavioral interventions aim to provide men with skills to manage or inhibit their sexual arousal to children in daily life. For instance, behavioral interventions, based on operant conditioning principles, include aversion therapies in which a noxious stimulus is paired with arousal to children or reinforcement therapies in which adult stimuli are associated with a rewarding experience (e.g., masturbation and orgasm; Marshall et al, 2009). In addition, pharmacological interventions, which include antiandrogen medications that reduce sex drive, can be provided as an adjunct or alternative to behavioral conditioning procedures (Garcia & Thibaut, 2011).…”

“…The existing research is also equivocal regarding whether treatment has an effect on arousal to adults or whether the effect of treatment is solely on helping men manage their arousal to children. While past qualitative reviews suggest that men who commit sexual offenses against children can increase their sexual interest in adults (Kelly, 1982; Marshall et al, 2009), some primary studies suggest this is not the case. Meta-analytic research may help clarify this issue.…”

“…Meta-analytic research may help clarify this issue. Further to this, the previous reviews of behavioral treatments are either out of date (Kelly, 1982; Laws & Marshall, 1991) or were less systematic in their approach (Marshall et al, 2009); a meta-analytic review would provide a needed update using a systematic approach.…”